The County of San Diego Agriculture and Livestock Pass Program

allows commercial agriculture or livestock operators access to restricted areas to care for crops and animals. The Ag Pass allows law enforcement and fire officials to identify pass holders at roadblocks and inside an evacuated area.

Only fire and law enforcement can make the decision for entry, which will be based on fire behavior and safety for the pass holders. Holding a pass doesn’t authorize an individual to ignore evacuation orders and it doesn’t guarantee access. 

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For livestock operations, the Ag Pass is limited to the purposes of sheltering, moving, transporting, evacuating, feeding, watering, or administering veterinary care to livestock. For agricultural operations, the Ag Pass will allow work on irrigation systems, farm equipment, and other essential infrastructure.

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Additionally, Ag Pass holders will be required to acknowledge the inherent risks and hazards associated with accessing restricted areas subject to official road closure as the result of a local emergency and agree to indemnify and hold the County of San Diego harmless from any potential liability.

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The San Diego Imperial County Cattlemen's Association was proud to assist in getting this program approved in 2022.

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RENEW YOUR AG PASS:

This can be done via zoom - please contact Ag.Pass@sdcounty.ca.gov

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IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE AG PASS PROGRAM:

Fire Safety Training

• Verified applicants will be contacted by County Fire to schedule the annual mandatory training conducted by CAL FIRE.

• The initial training will take four hours* and it covers fire safety, fire behavior and weather, entrapment avoidance, evacuation, communications and incident command.

  • *The initial training is four hours, and the annual refresher training is one hour.

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Verification of a Commercial Operation

Interested parties will submit an application and a minimum of two verification documents to County Fire and then Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures will review and confirm the operation’s commercial status. Examples of documentation for verification of a commercial operation include:

• Redacted tax forms or other business documentation (LLC/partnership/incorporation)

• AWM issued Operator ID

• Restricted Materials Pesticide Permit

• Certified Producer Certificate

• California State Organic Program Registration

• California Department of Agriculture Livestock Identification Number

• Industry Association Letter - CCA & San Diego-Imperial Association Membership 

• USDA Documentation for Commercial Livestock Producer

• USDA Farm Services Agency Farm Number

• Permitted equestrian facility

• Brand # and/or Brand Certification Documentation

• USDA Documentation for Commercial Livestock Producer

• Zoning or use permit, such as permitted agricultural zoning commercial horse stable ​

Questions and completed applications can be sent to Ag.Pass@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Application Checklist:

• Business name and applicant name

• Contact info and address (including APN or Lat/Long)

• 2 forms of verification to show it is a commercial operation – such as tax documentation, industry association membership, zoning or use permit, or something else you want us to consider (like a website or tax ID)

• Estimated acreage or number of livestock (horses)

• If you are including a managerial employee, we need an emergency plan and insurance documentation

• Signed Waiver and Release Agreement