CoBank Commits $350,000 to Camp Fire Relief Efforts
DENVER (November 21, 2018) — CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, today announced that it has committed $350,000 to support relief efforts in the Northern California communities impacted by the Camp Fire.
The Camp Fire, which ignited on November 8 in Butte County, has burned approximately 150,000 acres and destroyed close to 13,000 structures. Nearly 80 fatalities have been confirmed and recent reports indicate that up to 1,000 people remain unaccounted for. It has been declared the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.
“This critical region for agriculture has seen a multitude of natural disasters in recent years, but the Camp Fire stands apart due to the scale of the devastation and loss of life,” said Thomas Halverson, CoBank’s chief executive officer. “Our hearts go out to our partners and customers in the impacted area, and to everyone who has been affected by this fire.”
“The devastation in our community has been felt throughout the Association,” said J. Fletcher Monroe, president and chief executive officer of Golden State Farm Credit. “Everyone at Golden State Farm Credit has been touched by the Camp Fire, both directly – with staff losing their homes – and indirectly – knowing friends and family members that lost their homes. We are thankful to CoBank for their ongoing generosity, as well as their commitment to stand by Golden State Farm Credit and our community in times of need.”
"Our hearts go out to the victims and those affected by the Camp Fire,” said Rob Farris, president and chief executive officer of Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit. “We are deeply sympathetic to all those grieving in loss, and words cannot express our sorrow. Having said this, we are also encouraged that our community continues to support those in most desperate need. We look forward to partnering with CoBank and our other Farm Credit partners to support relief efforts."
The bank is partnering with customers in the impacted area and with the California Farm Credit associations to provide grants to organizations supporting the immediate needs of those whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by the fire. Organizations receiving support will include the California Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund, the Community Foundation of Richvale, North State Food Bank, the North Valley Community Foundation and the Salvation Army, among others.
More information on CoBank’s assistance will be provided as Camp Fire relief efforts continue and the full impact of the devastation is assessed.
About CoBank
CoBank is a $128 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
For more information about CoBank, visit the bank's website at cobank.com.