Agriculture Pass Program

Apply for Year-Round Pass
Apply for One-Time Pass

Overview

Disaster events can be particularly challenging for the agricultural operations that form a critical component of Ventura County's economy.

The Ventura County Ag Pass program is a voluntary program developed to identify qualifying commercial farmers and ranchers to firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel during disasters. Once a situation has stabilized, Ag Pass holders may be allowed entry into evacuated areas in order to provide essential care to crops and livestock, and to provide information and/or access to support emergency responders. Limited emergency access may be authorized to conduct the following eligible activities:

  • Irrigate crops or turn on water systems
  • Deliver equipment necessary to re-establish water supplies or irrigation systems
  • Feed, water, and provide medical treatment to livestock, or evacuate livestock
  • Provide access to property or facilities used as part of an agricultural operation

The formal framework for county-level Ag Pass programs was established in California in 2021, with the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 1103 and is codified in Section 2350 of the California Food and Agriculture Code.

What to Know

Disasters are dynamic, and participation in the Ag Pass program does not guarantee access during an incident.

Entry into restricted areas will be dependent on approval of the incident commander, a law enforcement official having jurisdiction, or their designee.

  • During the initial stages of an event, access will likely be restricted for all individuals.
  • Only once the situation has stabilized will the potential for entry by Ag Pass holders be considered. Safety is the number one priority!
  • An escort may be required in any instance.
  • All persons must depart the restricted area by the same route used for entry.
  • Livestock care shall only be made during daylight hours.

Additionally, Ag Pass holders allowed entry into an evacuated area may NOT:

  • Conduct firefighting operations, including fire suppression or fire mop-up activities
  • Remove property, other than livestock
  • Harvest crops

Application Process

Ag Passes are issued at the discretion of the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner's Office. They are applied for and distributed before a disaster event takes place.

To complete the Ag Pass application, you will need a copy of the following documents:

  1. Copy of Driver's License or other Government ID
  2. Course completion certificate from the U.S. Fire Administration's Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) training course.
    • This free, online training takes 6-8 hours to complete, and provides a primer on wildland fire behavior and recognizing hazardous situations.
  3. Proof of commercial agricultural operator status. Please see the application for a listing of applicable supporting documentation.

Ag Passes are valid for two years from issuance. Click on the link at the top of this page to begin an Ag Pass application.

ONE-TIME PASSES

During an emergency event, qualifying commercial operators that have not already obtained an Ag Pass may apply online to obtain a temporary, 'one-time' pass.

These passes are valid for seven days, and may be obtained from Ventura County Ag Commissioner's personnel at an active Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP). To apply, click on the link at the top of this page.