Food Production, Solid Waste, and Pet Supplies Should Be Considered as Essential Infrastructure and Services in County Directives/Ordinances

The integrity of rural counties’ food production, solid waste, and pet supplies infrastructure and services are one of many areas affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.  RCRC staff have been engaged with state agencies, stakeholders, and RCRC-member counties regarding the inclusion of these critical elements in “Shelter-In-Place” directives or ordinances being considered and/or adopted by counties.

Food Production

RCRC staff have been in close contact with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) leadership. The ag/farm community has also been requesting CDFA and counties to include language along these lines, which is fully supported by RCRC.

CDFA, in consultation with the California Department of Public Health, has released a guidance document. Although many RCRC-member counties have already included provisions similar in tone and language to CDFA guidance, we are sharing with all counties, and encourage adoption of similar language, especially those with significant farm/food processing facilities.  The guidance document is available in English and Spanish.

Solid Waste

RCRC staff are supportive of solid waste collection, processing, and disposal services be included as part of critical infrastructure element. RCRC believes individuals (including employees and contract service providers) are part of essential services that provide solid waste/recyclables collection, processing and disposal, maintenance and systems support at solid waste/recyclable disposal and processing facilities to RCRC-member counties.

Pet Supplies

RCRC-member counties are home to many livestock feed and supply stores that provide important supplies to its communities. RCRC staff, in consultation with stakeholders and RCRC-member counties, are working to have pet supplies be incorporated into “Shelter-In-Placer” directives and ordinances as essential services.