BAKERSFIELD – Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) and Senator Abel Maldonado (R- Santa Maria), and other legislators, along with California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelson and State Farm Bureau Federation President Doug Mosebar today held press conferences in Fowler, Castroville, and Bakersfield to provide relief information to individuals affected by the recent freeze.

“It is crucial that individuals and businesses negatively impacted by the recent freeze are not only eligible for relief, but that they are made aware of how to access that relief,” said Assemblywoman Nicole Parra. “Our goal today was to begin the outreach necessary to raise public awareness of the State and Federal programs available to aid in their recovery.”

In addition to the damage to crops, there will be a ripple effect on farm workers and others employed in industries that support farming, such as packers and truck drivers. In California’s citrus industry alone, there are approximately 12,500 employees that may see reduced hours or layoffs in the weeks to come.

This is not a struggle about the fruit, which is all but lost, but a struggle about people. Family farmers and their employees will be the most impacted,” said Joel Nelson. “Their inability to earn a living for their labors will create hardship for them and the community around us.”

“I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans are working together to address the needs of farmers and farmworkers as a result of this freeze,” Senator Maldonado said. “I hope that the Legislature acts quickly so that this much needed relief can get to those who need it as soon as possible.”

“The impact of this freeze will be felt statewide and long after the temperature has risen, well into the summer months,” added Parra. “For that reason, our recovery efforts must be sustained over the long haul until the recovery is complete.”