To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Rex Bohn
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
SUBJECT:
title
Join the Coalition Seeking Relief from the Mounting Organic Dairy Emergency on the North Coast and Send a Letter in Support of Financial Aid for Western United States Organic Dairies Due to Historic Drought Conditions and Unsustainable Feed Costs (Supervisor Rex Bohn)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair to sign the letter of support; and
2. Join the coalition of producers, processors, non-profits and government agencies who seek relief from the mounting dairy emergency on the north coast from Marin to Del Norte County.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
The continued drought in California and the Western US and the associated rise in animal feed costs is putting many organic dairies at risk of going out of business. Many producers are currently selling off animals to generate cash to cover expenses; an unsustainable long-term strategy for any dairy farm. Without targeted assistance from the government in the form of emergency funding, Humboldt County could lose many of these agricultural producers forever and lose a vital element of the food system and rural communities. Furthermore, if this issue persists, there is a possibility of experiencing a food shortage emerge similar to the period during the height of the COVID pandemic. It is imperative that the coalition mobilize funding assistance as soon as possible before the organic dairy industry faces catastrophe.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to signing the attached letter. However, agricultural producers are a significant part of the county's economy, and damage to this industry would have ripple effects in terms of decreased revenue to the county and increased need for public services.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board's Strategic Framework by retaining existing and facil...
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