The Lake County Farm Bureau has attempted to consolidate the agriculture-specific resources for those affected by the Valley Fire. This list is by no means complete, as many organizations are attempting similar relief efforts on small and large scale.
Government Disaster Aid
There are a few main government-run disaster aid programs. The type of damage incurred will dictate the program you enroll in. I understand many people are still out assessing damage, and some have only been back in their area a few days. However, early registration is key with some of these organizations, and there are time constraints. Here is a quick summary:
FEMA
Everybody with damage and/or economic loss is encouraged to register with FEMA. While FEMA will not cover farm or business damages, it is important to enroll as business damages can get addressed through the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and they require FEMA registration. FEMA is the agency that handles home damage/loss. The best way to register is to call 1-800-621-3362. The FEMA webpage specific to the Valley Fire incident is here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4240
SBA
The SBA provides financial assistance for home owners, renters and businesses. For local businesses, the SBA can provide 30 year loans at a fixed 4% interest with a grace period of 5 months. Disaster loans are available for physical disaster, as well as economic injury. Economic injury can mean any financial loss to the business associated with the disaster. This includes businesses in Cobb, Middletown and/or Hidden Valley that did not suffer direct fire damage but are dealing with loss of customers, employees, inventory etc. The SBA does not cover farming losses. This is done through the USDA Farm Service Agency. However, the SBA can assist with the business portion of the operation. For example, SBA will not assist in vineyard damages, but can help with damages to a winery. Application filing deadlines are November 23, 2015 for physical damages and June 22, 2016 for economic injury. There are three ways to apply: phone: 1-800-659-2955, email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, website: www.sba.gov/disaster and https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela..
USDA/FSA and NRCS
The USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service has financial assistance programs specific to agriculture. Through NRCS, The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts up to a maximum term of ten years in length. Through FSA, there are programs that can assist with damages to fencing, livestock, out buildings, orchards etc. There is an excellent team here in Lake County that has been helping people sign up and understand the programs. Per USDA, “Representatives of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold an informational meeting in Middletown at the Cowpoke Café, 21118 Calistoga Road (SR 29). The meeting is today, October 2, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. USDA representatives will be helping producers sign up with a variety of programs to assist them with fire-related damage. The USDA Risk Management Office also will have a representative available to answer questions regarding Crop Insurance. For more information, contact the USDA Farm Service Agency at (707) 468-9225, and ask for Katie or Joleen. Information about the USDA FSA programs are attached to this email. NRCS EQIP program information is here: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/
Local Disaster Efforts for Ag/Livestock
There are many other agencies performing similar efforts, as well as countless individuals. I have attempted to relay what I know is out there pertaining to livestock/agriculture. As you can imagine, sometimes the organization of the relief efforts border on chaotic, but it is all very much needed and appreciated. If I have left off any important agency/effort please contact me.
Lake County Farm Bureau
Hay: LCFB has been accepting and distributing hay and livestock feed at the Adobe Creek Packing shed for nearly three weeks. Carleene Cady, who volunteers on behalf of both the Lake County Horse Council and SAFER has been coordinating this effort. Many loads of hay we get in can be directly diverted down to Middletown. The ranching community in Middletown has been awesome in helping us store, deliver and distribute hay where it is needed. This is going to most likely be a long-term project and the need for hay storage may increase through the winter. Carleene Cady is the current contact for all hay donations and pick-up. Carleene can be reached at (707) 349-1993. If you need hay or livestock feed, and cannot reach Carleene, you can call the Farm Bureau office at (707)263-0911.
Fencing: Kathy Walton is distributing fencing donations. She is also encouraging people to bring help with loading for either pick-up or drop-off. Currently, there is fencing suitable for horses and livestock, as well as peeler cores that would be useful as vineyard fencing. However, she is looking for fencing suitable for smaller livestock i.e. hog panels and/or chicken wire. Kathy Walton can be reached at: kathidga@yahoo.com
Lake County Winegrape Commission
The Lake County Winegrape Commission was instrumental in getting the winegrape harvest back on its feet in the affected fire areas. LCWC, Lake County Wineries and the LC Wine Alliance have also started a fire relief fund called #Lake County Rising. Per LCWC, “We are saddened by the terrible fire and losses in the Lake County community, and our thoughts go out to all who have lost so much in the Valley Fire. Please give what you can to help provide relief to victims of the Valley Fire and other 2015 fires that have devastated much of the region. Your generous donation will be used to support rebuilding efforts focused on livelihood, housing, and community needs.” There is a one-page PDF that explains the fund and a link to donate at this address: http://www.lakecountywinegrape.org/news-events/valley-fire-relief-fund/ The LCWC is also a great resources for any winegrape-related questions regarding the fire. Their office number is: (707)279-2633.
Lake County Horse Council
LCHC has also set up a Valley Fire Relief fund specifically for the horse community. 100% of these funds will go to equine-related recovery efforts. Donate directly into the LCHC Disaster Relief Fund at any Umpqua bank in Lake County or in Ukiah or send a check to the Lake County Horse Council at PO Box 1551, Kelseyville, 95451. You can also donate through PayPal at this website: http://www.lakecountyhorsecouncil.com/disaster-relief-fund.html. The LCHC also has a donation account set up through Rainbow Ag on Highway 29 in Lakeport.
Middletown Animal Hospital
In addition to their commendable work in providing veterinary care to animals affected by the fire, the MAH also has a donation site where they distribute hay, livestock feed and animal care and handling items. The MAH has set-up a Go Fund Me account which states “We are continuing to treat all fire victims—both humans (treating all problems in the pets/animals of those who lost their home or business) and animals: burned or have a fire related injury (lost, in fight, injured, smoke inhalation, gunshot wound, etc)….We will continue to provide both pro-bono and regular services for the next 5 1/2 months or until our fire-based funding runs out.” The link to their fund is available here: https://www.gofundme.com/h24mk7qk?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cta_button&utm_campaign=upd_n.
SAFER
Sonoma Action for Equine Rescue has a Valley Fire donation account set-up through Rainbow Ag on Highway 29 in Lakeport. Through Carleene Cady, SAFER has been accepting and distributing hay donations throughout the affected fire areas. Hay is stored at the Farm Bureau Adobe Creek Packing site and/or various locations in Middletown. To donate or pick-up hay, call Carleene Cady at (707) 349-1993.
Barreda’s Lower Lake Feed
Barreda’s Lower Lake Feed has been accepting and distributing livestock and pet feed and supplies. They are also accepting cash donations; 100% of funds raised will go towards Valley Fire victims. Monica Stevens with Jamison Animal Rescue Ranch has partnered with Barreda’s to provide hay and livestock feed donations to ranches housing evacuated horses in the area. Barreda’s Lower Lake Feed is located at 16345 Main St, Lower Lake, CA 95457 can be reached at (707) 995-3333.
Moose Lodge
The Moose Lodge is one of many evacuation centers that is also handling livestock feed. The Moose Lodge is located at the junction of Highway 53 and Highway 20 in Clearlake.
Brenna Sullivan is executive director of the Lake County Farm Bureau
