Danny Gilmore has won the endorsement of the Kings County Farm Bureau in his bid for the 30th Assembly District seat -- the first time the county agriculture group has officially backed a candidate in its history of more than 90 years.

Gilmore, the Republican nominee for the Assembly post, joined Tim Larson, president of the county bureau, when the endorsement was announced Monday in Hanford.

"We feel Danny understands the issues facing farmers in our county and our district, and of farmers throughout California," said Larson, who farms walnuts in Kings County and grows pistachios, wine grapes and other crops in neighboring Fresno County.

"Water is our primary issue and concern; we feel pretty strongly about trying to revamp the water situation in California and Danny shares that position," Larson added. "His views are very much in synch with ours."

Gilmore's history as a California Highway Patrol officer for years was also attractive to farmers who are concerned about rural crime, including the increasing prevalence of copper and metal thefts from farms and dairies.

Gilmore, who lives in Hanford, faces Democrat Fran Florez, a Shafter city council member, in the Nov. 4 general election. The two are vying to replace term-limited Assembly Member Nicole Parra, D-Hanford. The district includes all of Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties.