SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - When an evacuation order is issued during a flood or other emergency, farmers face a difficult problem. They must leave quickly, but their animals, crops and equipment stay behind. Once they are out of the area, they cannot go back until officials say it is safe. Without a way to identify who belongs on the land, law enforcement cannot easily sort out who should be allowed back in first.

The Sacramento County Ag Pass Program was created to solve this problem. It gives registered commercial farm and ranch operators a way to re-enter evacuated areas in an organized and safe manner, as soon as conditions allow.

About the Ag Pass Program

The Ag Pass Program helps to reduce the financial impact of disasters on the farming community. It allows commercial agricultural producers to return to evacuated areas in a coordinated way, once safety officials have determined it is appropriate to do so.

Ag Pass holders are only permitted to perform tasks that are essential to keeping their farm or ranch running during an emergency. This includes work needed to limit financial losses, as well as helping emergency personnel to identify water sources and access routes.

The program is open to registered commercial agricultural operations under the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner's Office. Each primary pass holder may request additional passes for employees, based on the tasks outlined in their application.

Having an Ag Pass does not give anyone special authority. Pass holders must always follow the directions of public safety officials. The pass does not allow anyone to ignore official orders or require employees or other workers, regardless of immigration status, to do so, either.

Passes must be renewed every year. Holders must complete annual training and keep a current release of liability on file to stay eligible.

Required Training

Before receiving a pass, applicants must complete Sacramento County Specific Ag Pass Training (approximately four hours).

To renew an existing pass, a one-hour refresher course is required each year. Applications that do not include proof of completed training will not be approved until all training requirements are met.

Upcoming Training Sessions

Training sessions for this year are scheduled for Monday, March 30 at the Ag Auditorium, 4137 Branch Center Road in Sacramento.

From 1 to 2 p.m., there will be Refresher Training (renewals) for those renewing an existing Ag Pass and from 2:30 to 5 p.m., there will be an initial training for new applicants, or those who prefer a later session.

Those interested may find each session and register by visiting the Sacramento Office of Emergency Services Eventbrite page at eventbrite.com/o/8449548691.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For questions about the Ag Pass Program, contact the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at [email protected] or by calling 916-875-6603.