Hi Friend,
The COVID-19 crisis has wreaked havoc on our communities. We are grateful to see community members coming together to support one another during these difficult times.
As COVID related layoffs and furloughs have forced over 20,000 people to file for unemployment in Santa Barbara County alone, our cannabis farmers recognize their responsibility to their community now more than ever. Designated by Governor Newsom as an essential business, our farmers with the help of other essential agricultural business partners and health experts have developed best practices and tools to protect our workforce and keep them safe.
North County cannabis farmers are also doing their part to collaborate with local industries hit hardest by this crisis.
Our cannabis farms are working with beloved local eateries and restaurants to ensure they can weather this crisis. Local establishments such as Industrial Eats, Pattibakes, Floriano’s, Herb Home, Los Arroyos, and California Tacos are part of an effort to provide meals to our workforce through a food delivery service for all cannabis employees located at both farms and other facilities. As allies in our business community, we intend to continue finding new ways to collaborate and ensure our local independent businesses emerge from this crisis stronger than before.
Cannabis farmers are committed to continue to spur economic growth and job creation in the region. In 2018, we helped create almost 5,000 local jobs and today we are viewed as an essential economic engine to help in the county’s economic recovery and employment for local residents.
The cannabis tax revenues our county receives will be critical in the coming months to help off-set potential budget cuts to vital government services for communities of color, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.
Moreover, we are continuing our promise to address Food Insecurity among our most vulnerable families in the greater Lompoc Valley, please donate to our community partner Food Bank of Santa Barbara County here.
These times have impacted all of us in various ways, but we are all in this together. If you have a moment, please consider sending an email to our county supervisors to make sure they’re reminded of the efforts our community is taking to sustain our local economy and jobs.
