KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are known to cause significant damage to crops, rangelands, and natural habitats, particularly during outbreaks. Their outbreaks pose an immediate threat to the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, as well as the food supply and ecosystem health. Oregon Legislature recognizes the urgency of addressing an immediate threat posed by these pests to agriculture and approved a program that aims to provide financial assistance to affected individuals for supporting pest management initiatives that mitigate the impact of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on agricultural crops, outlined in SB 5701, Section 408 (2024) and Temporary Administrative Order.
Klamath County has received $100,000.00 from the Oregon Department of Agriculture to mitigate these Infestations. Klamath County is creating a grant program to distribute said funding and forming a grant committee to review applications from farmers and ranchers. This committee will consist of a representative from Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co. and two at large citizens, the committee will review applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Those interested in sitting on this Committee should complete an application here no later that May 21, 2024 by 5pm.
