…have climbed to approximately $3,000 per acre-foot—among the highest rates in California and potentially the nation. Unlike many farming regions that rely on groundwater, San Diego imports much of its…
Chad Bianco Sounds Off on California Agriculture, Water, Energy, and the Future of the Golden State
…increase costs and reduce water access for farmers while failing to invest adequately in storage, groundwater replenishment, and stormwater capture systems. He repeatedly emphasized that California could support significantly more…
California at a Crossroads: Edward Ring Sounds the Alarm on Water, Energy & the Future of Farming
…Farm Survival The conversation also explored the long-term effects of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Ring acknowledged that groundwater over-pumping caused serious land subsidence problems that damaged major canals…
Edward Ring Series Continues as California Water Debate and Governor Race Intensify
…receiving reduced allocations and facing groundwater restrictions tied to SGMA. “We need more surface storage,” he said. “We need more floodplains where we can bank groundwater.” The discussion also focused…
California Water Debate Intensifies as Edward Ring Pushes Major Reforms for Farmers and the Delta
…he said. Ring outlined several solutions, including expanding groundwater recharge projects, increasing reservoir storage, restoring Delta channels, and modernizing statewide infrastructure. He also pushed strongly for expanded desalination projects along…
California Agriculture at a Crossroads-Roger Isom Warns of Water, Regulation, and Economic Crisis
…are needed, including raising Shasta Dam, expanding San Luis Reservoir, improving Delta conveyance systems, and increasing groundwater recharge capacity. He also pointed to continued frustration over low west side water…
California Agriculture Faces Early Harvests, Water Pressure, and Growing Regulatory Concerns
…the biggest issues raised during the conversation involved water allocations and long-term infrastructure failures tied to SGMA groundwater restrictions and limited storage capacity. “We need meaningful water storage,” Isom said…
California Farmers Face Mounting Pressure from Water, Fuel Costs, and Peach Industry Collapse
…are largely tied to infrastructure failures and policy decisions rather than a lack of available water. “We need meaningful water storage,” he said, calling for expanded reservoirs, groundwater recharge projects,…
California Governor Debate Leaves Agriculture Behind as Water, Taxes, and Policy Battles Intensify
…enough water,” he said. “It is a man-made drought.” Tangipa called for modernization of reservoirs, canals, and groundwater recharge systems while pushing back against environmental groups that oppose expanded water…
David Tangipa Says California Is at a Crossroads for Farmers, Water, Taxes and the Future of the State
…improve groundwater recharge and combat land subsidence. He also argued California needs to rethink reservoirs and dams as long-term water storage systems comparable to “melted glaciers” in an era of…
From Farming to Fast-Growing Trees: Darren Schmall’s Vision for California Agriculture
…have relatively stable groundwater and access to surface water through the Madera Irrigation District. He acknowledged, however, that many west-side farmers continue to struggle with severe water shortages and low…
Potter Valley Water Battle: Farmers Fight to Save Lifeline
…emphasized that: Generational farmers protect ecosystems and wildlife corridors Privately managed rangelands support a large portion of endangered species Agriculture plays a critical role in groundwater recharge and environmental stability…
Monterey County Agriculture at a Crossroads: Water, Labor, and the Future of America’s Salad Bowl
…the number one concern heading into 2026. The implementation of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is forcing major changes, especially as Monterey County battles seawater intrusion into its groundwater…
California Table Grapes 2026: Early Season, Global Demand, Strong Future
…them especially appealing for families. Water and Regulation Challenges Water remains a critical issue across California agriculture. Regulations like the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act add complexity, while long-term solutions—such as…