KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | South Valley State of Emergency

South Valley State of Emergency

By: Dani Carlson

The United States Department of Agriculture has declared a state of emergency in Tulare County, because of the year-long drought.

"Water is just as important as the blood we got running in our veins. Without blood we don't function without water we don't function," said Mario Simoes. 

Simoes is a grower and dairy man in Tulare County. He said the drought has cut off the Central Valley's water supply.

He has already had to stop watering "acres" of crops this season, and drill several, much deeper, $100,000 wells, to reach the lowered water table.  And that's just so he can water the other crops he has.

He points out though, "if the water's not there, drilling is not the answer."

And because water's not there, at least not on the surface, that's why the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared the state of emergency.

That means most of the County's 5,000 or so growers will be eligible for federal loans and grants.

In order to be eligible though, officials said, growers and ranchers need to have federal crop insurance.

"It doesn't solve the problem," said Simoes. "Because it doesn't matter how many subsidies you get it's not going to be enough to subsidize water."

In the short run though, experts said a little help can go a long way.

"Cattlemen need to feed their livestock, it's critical they have the funds to do that," said deputy agriculture commissioner Marilyn Kinoshita.

Officials said Tulare County has to get at least average rainfall next year in order for many growers, like Simoes, to survive.

"I hope to God that we don't have an even worse year than what we got this year. If there's another dry year things won't get better, they will only get worse," said Simoes.

Kinoshita said those who don't have federal crop insurance who want to partake of the benefits can register until September 16th.

Growers in Fresno and Kings Counties are also available to receive help because they border Tulare County.

You can call the Tulare County Agriculture Commissioner's office at: (559) 685-3323.