What does it take to grow the food that makes it to your table? It takes time, a farmer’s hard work, and yes, water… …But not as much water as you’d think. In fact, in California, over the past half century, agricultural water use has remained about the same, while providing about 43 percent more food […]
Water Allocation is Good News, But Doesn’t End Drought The following is a statement by Executive Director Mike Wade of the California Farm Water Coalition in response to the DWR announcement of 10 percent water allocation from the State Water Project.) “Today’s announcement that the State Water Project will deliver an initial allocation of 10 […]
On the Abandonment of Federal Drought Legislation “California’s Central Valley has shouldered more than its share of the pain brought on by reduced water deliveries and the drought. For more than 20 years, misguided environmental policies have drained California of over 20 million acre-feet of water – water that was originally intended to grow food. […]
The Los Angeles Times recently published an intensely critical article about Westlands Water District, which recited many of the false, misleading, or outdated claims made by some of its critics over the years. The Times’ editors refused to print an Op-Ed that the District offered in response. As a result the District has taken out […]
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California has the second most irrigated acreage in the United States, with Nebraska alone irrigating more. California’s almost 8 million irrigated acres are dedicated to a wide diversity of more than 300 crops.
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California rice production provides approximately 500,000 acres of habitat annually. This habitat provides nearly 60% of the food resources consumed by wintering waterfowl in the Central Valley and is the sustenance for 2.5 million of the 5 million ducks using the Pacific Flyway.
Have you been hearing more about California agriculture lately? Learn something new about California’s agriculture by exploring our fast and fun series of radio shorts – Farm Water Minutes!
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California leads the nation in tomato production, producing approximately 95% of the nation’s tomatoes.
Updated 6/13/14: While many farmers will be fallowing, or not planting, their fields simply because there isn’t enough water to meet their needs, the Drought will be felt beyond the farm – impacting related industries and family dinners across the country.
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Did you know that American families spend less on food than many other developed countries? The average American household is spending $3,820 less for food each year in comparison to their counterparts around the world. Learn more about the benefits of farm water and irrigation for your family.
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