Sonoma County Farm Bureau
Wildfire Information for Rural Areas
Sonoma County Farm Bureau would like to express our sincerest thoughts to those who have been affected by the fires in Northern California. The extensive damage has been devastating to both our rural and urban neighbors, but we believe we will come out of this disaster stronger as a community.
We would like to thank the firefighters who have come in not only from around the state, but around the world to assist in relief efforts. A thank you is also due to all the additional first responders, emergency personnel, local organizations, elected officials and volunteers who have come together in this time of need to support our community.
As we see more containment on the fires, we urge everyone to remain vigilant during this time and to support your neighbors in need. Our community will make it through this. Let's stay Sonoma Strong!
Sonoma County Farm Bureau Offers Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Affected by Wildfires
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is working with the Sonoma County Emergency Operations Center at the Fairgrounds, Sonoma County Horse Council and Sonoma County Animal Services to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and livestock have the support needed to overcome the damage caused by the destructive wildfires in Northern California.
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is coordinating donations of feed and supplies for livestock and horses. The Farm Bureau office has secured a storage yard and is in the process of gathering feed, particularly hay, for distribution to affected farmers throughout the county.
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is seeking donations of feed from our community. If you cannot donate feed, but would like to assist with livestock relief efforts, monetary donations can be made by contacting our office.
To donate goods including hay and livestock supplies or to request assistance, Sonoma County Farm Bureau can be reached at emily@sonomafb.org or 707-544-5575.
*If Your Farm or Ranch Has Been Affected by The Recent Wildfires and You Need Assistance Please Contact the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Office*
TEMPORARY ACCESS PERMITS TO FEED LIVESTOCK OR HARVEST GRAPES
The Sonoma County Ag Commissioners office (ACO) can start issuing temporary access permits that will allow safe and urgent Agriculture access to areas cleared for utility access (no public use). These permits are for commercial ag business uses only. The permits can be obtained and signed at the ACO and are good for 12 hours. This will be a very closely-watched process and will require an escort by the Ag Commissioners Office. If you are trying to get grapes harvested and/or access to wineries or attend to livestock, please go to the ACO or call 707-565-2371 to see if your area of interest is accessible. Please do so with patience
SONOMA COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IS SEEKING AVAILABLE PASTURE LAND
UCCE Sonoma County is seeking to connect landowners who have an available pasture with farmers and ranchers whose land was affected by the fires. If you have available land and can help out, please contact our office for more information.
CA FARM SERVICE AGENCY ALERT
FSA has a program for Livestock death. Losses must be documented with at least a photo before carcass disposal to be eligible. Contact your local FSA Office for more information.
EMPLOYER DISASTER INFORMATION FROM THE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Employers in Napa, Sonoma, and Yuba Counties directly affected by multiple fires, including the Tubbs and Atlas fires which began on October 8, 2017, may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest. This extension may be granted under Section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code (CUIC). A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.
More information: sonomafb.org/pdf/2017/EmployerDisasterInformation.pdf
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS
Individuals affected by recent wildfires can find more information and resources here: northbaybusinessjournal.com/northbay/sonomacounty/7531821-181/sonoma-fire-business-employee-resources
The Local Assistance Center offering assistance to all persons and businesses affected by these unprecedented fires is open at 427 Mendocino Ave at the offices of the Press Democrat. Local, state and federal agencies will be on hand to assist from 9am - 7pm.
*FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: *
Sonoma County Farm Bureau
P: 707.544.5575
F: 707.544.7452
rachel@sonomafb.org
