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Board ratifies local emergency over beet leaf hopper threat to Kings County tomatoes
Summary
Supervisors ratified a director’s proclamation of a local emergency after increased beet leaf hopper migration raised risk of curly top virus affecting about 42,048 permitted acres of tomatoes; staff estimated the county’s tomato crop value at roughly $236.52 million.
The Kings County Board of Supervisors ratified a director’s proclamation recognizing a local emergency caused by a localized migration of beet leaf hoppers, which can vector the curly top virus and threaten the county’s tomato crop.
Alex C. Walker, an administrative analyst, told the board the director of emergency services proclaimed the emergency on May 6, 2025, and that the board must ratify the proclamation within seven days. Walker said the county’s Agricultural Commissioner had warned in February 2025 of conditions that could increase beet leaf hopper pressure and that the California Department of Food and Agriculture identified increased hopper populations in the San Joaquin Valley during March 2025.
Walker said there are 42,048 permitted tomato acres in Kings County. Using estimates from the California Tomato Growers Association and permitted acreage, staff estimated the 2024 crop’s annual harvest value at roughly $236,520,000. Walker said the full scope of damage could not yet be determined but that immediate action could mitigate loss; the county had ratified a similar proclamation on April 23, 2024.
Board members discussed the proclamation’s 60‑day window and noted the wider economic effects, including transportation and processing sectors that support the crop. The board voted to ratify the emergency proclamation; staff said the action allows staff to move forward with mitigation and support measures during the declared period.
