Monterey County urges growers to apply for AgPass; applications open through March

Monterey County agricultural commissioner Juan Hidalgo said commercial agricultural operations can apply now through March to obtain an AgPass that may grant expedited access into disaster evacuation zones when local emergency responders permit entry.

Hidalgo said the AgPass was approved by the County Board of Supervisors in 2023 and traces to state legislation adopted during the 2021 wildfire period. "The AgPass…provides expedited access to be able to enter evacuation areas when it's permitted by local emergency responders," Hidalgo said, adding the pass is meant to let growers shelter or evacuate livestock, irrigate commodities or move equipment to safety.

Eligibility is limited to commercial agricultural operations and to properties within the State Responsibility Area, Hidalgo said, which means many growers inside city limits such as Salinas do not currently qualify. Applicants must apply through the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, meet a set of commercial‑operation requirements and complete disaster training provided by local law enforcement and CAL FIRE; training must be refreshed every two years for renewal.

Hidalgo said there is currently no fee to apply and the county coordinates application review and training at no cost to growers. He acknowledged program limits and said county staff are exploring options to expand eligibility beyond the current SRA to include more growers in the future.

He cited the 2020 wildfire series and the 2023 flooding as drivers for the program and said AgPass can help emergency services by providing local operators’ site access and approach information when it is safe to do so. Hidalgo urged interested operations to consult the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office website for application details and the posted QR code on the county briefing slide.