County agricultural commissioners need to hear from you if your orchards suffered damage. Whether it’s petal loss from heavy rain, broken limbs from high winds or direct blossom damage from hail, reporting these conditions promptly helps local officials assess the impact. Commissioners have only 30 days from the event to compile reports, which are crucial for communicating regional losses to the USDA. If disaster relief funding becomes available, these reports provide the necessary documentation to support aid requests.
Almond growers across the almond growing regions of California should remain vigilant as more storms are forecasted this week and next. Even if damage appears minor, aggregated reports from multiple growers can paint a clearer picture of the overall impact.
What Growers Should Do:
- Assess Your Orchards: After each storm, check for petal loss, branch breakage or excessive moisture that could lead to disease.
- Document Damage: Take photos and make notes on the date, location and extent of any harm.
- Report Promptly: Contact your county agricultural commissioner as soon as possible to ensure your losses are recorded within the 30-day reporting window.
Storms during bloom are a challenge almond growers know all too well, but accurate reporting ensures that local and federal agencies recognize the full extent of damage. If aid becomes available, your early action could help secure much-needed support for the industry.
To report damage or for more information, contact your county agricultural commissioner’s office.
