What Does Drought Declaration Mean for Farmers?

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Dairy & Livestock, Environment, Field & Row Crops, Forage Crops, General, Grain, Hogs & Pork, Poultry, Seeds, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Tree, nut & vine crops, Vegetables, Water

Water Rally
The governor officially declared a state of emergency due to the drought, but how will that help farmers around the state? Sabrina Hill reports.
Click to Open or Download Audio Report

Speaking at the water rally on the State Capitol late last week, Friant Water Authority Assistant General Manager Mario Santoyo explained.

Westside Valley farmers who receive water from the Central Valley Project expect to receive a zero allocation under water service contracts, and because of historic dry conditions, the availability of water through transfers will be limited. These shortages will lead to massive land fallowing with severe reductions in agricultural production.

With those major losses to agriculture, the state and local economies will see big downturns, and thousands of jobs are in jeopardy. Much of California depends on agriculture and agriculture depends on water.