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Board okays letter supporting $75M state orchard‑recycling budget request
Summary
The board authorized the chair to submit a letter supporting a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District budget request for $75 million over five years to fund orchard recycling alternatives as agricultural burning phases out; supervisors said the funding helps growers avoid increased fire and pest risks.
County administrative staff asked the Madera County Board of Supervisors to authorize the chair to sign and submit a letter supporting a budget request from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for continued funding of orchard recycling programs.
Staff described the request as a $75 million, five‑year budget ask to help growers transition away from agricultural burning and to provide alternatives (chipping, composting and other disposal methods) for orchard material. A board member said without the program there is a risk of fallowed lands becoming fire hazards and pest sources.
A supervisor who spoke in favor noted that chipping and composting are viable alternatives but urged attention to safe management (noting that chips that are piled can self‑combust if not spread). The board authorized the chair to sign and send the letter by unanimous vote, 4‑0.
The authorization asks county leadership to support state funding that would be directed through the air district to local growers and related stewardship programs.
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