Drought. Climate change. Population growth. Endangered fish. Mandated reductions in water allocations. Adjudicated water rights. Pressure to reduce ag waivers. The forces coming to bear on water supply for agriculture have never been so significant. Water availability will be one of the most prominent forces shaping the future of agriculture in California. California agriculture has a great opportunity at this time to innovate new solutions, demonstrate leadership towards achieving multiple benefits, and forge new partnerships to address these challenges.

Agriculture is an activity that serves the public good by providing food, an economic driver for rural areas, and many other benefits. Water is a basic and necessary input of food production, yet declining water supplies mean that many producers are facing tough choices. In the face of insecure water resources, it is essential that we find ways to reduce reliance on this potentially unsustainable resource. Reducing the dependence of growers and ranchers on dwindling water supplies will help protect the future viability of agriculture and food production for California and beyond. Smart water use – agricultural water stewardship – helps producers lower costs, maximize productivity, and improve soil health. These practices are core to the values that characterize sustainable agriculture.

Please visit the tabs to the left for more information and resources on agricultural water stewardship. Please contact us with any questions or feedback or join our listserve to stay in touch.