On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of water and energy policy at the California Policy Center, joined Nick Papagni for Part 1 of a two-part conversation about California’s water infrastructure, rising costs and the policies affecting the state’s agricultural economy. The program also featured Todd Burkdoll, field market development specialist with Valent USA, discussing crop protection ahead of the 2027 growing season.
Ring argued that California’s water challenges stem partly from decades of insufficient investment in major infrastructure projects. While acknowledging improvements in conservation and water-use efficiency, he said the state needs to reconsider its approach to expanding water supplies.
“We stopped doing really big things 50 years ago,” Ring said, pointing to the reservoirs, aqueducts and other infrastructure developed during the previous century.
According to Ring, California has become increasingly dependent on infrastructure built for a much smaller population. He believes additional water storage and improved management of rainfall could help strengthen supplies for both agricultural and urban users.
The discussion also explored California’s regulatory environment and its effects on affordability.
Ring argued that lengthy permitting processes, litigation and compliance requirements make it increasingly difficult to build infrastructure or expand businesses. He also questioned the growth of government spending and warned that rising costs could further undermine California’s competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Ring called for broader reforms that would make it easier to invest in water, energy, transportation and housing projects.
Later in the program, Burkdoll discussed Valent USA’s Intuity fungicide and its potential role in protecting grapes and strawberries from fungal diseases.
With the possibility of increased rainfall during the coming winter and spring, Burkdoll emphasized the importance of preventative disease management, particularly against Botrytis.
He explained that application timing and thorough spray coverage are critical to successful disease control, especially during sensitive crop development stages.
The conversation also touched on the importance of rotating fungicides and following product label restrictions as growers prepare for the upcoming season.
Hear Part 1 of the conversation with Edward Ring and the full interview with Todd Burkdoll in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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