California Water Crisis
Recent IA Activities
IA 2010 Legislative Conference
May 18-20, 2010
The California water crisis was one of the priority issues during IA’s 2010 Legislative Conference. Thirty members heard presentations by policymakers and influencers and participated in more than 45 meetings with elected officials and staffers to discuss issues facing the irrigation industry.
Attendees asked Congressional leaders and policymakers to:
Continue to support and grow programs to incentivize and promote efficient irrigation practices, systems and equipment in both agricultural production and residential settings.
Support and co-sponsor H.R. 4225, a bill to authorize drought assistance adjustments to provide immediate funding for projects and activities that will help alleviate record unemployment and diminished agricultural production related to the drought in California.
Clarification Regarding USDA's Announcement for Additional California Drought Relief Funding
March 31, 2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently pledged an additional $10 million to California farmers struggling with drought-related water restrictions. The funding is offered through a special drought initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
The new EQIP funding adds "the option of converting farms to highly water-efficient micro-irrigation systems." IA staff has confirmed with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service that both micro-irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems will be eligible for the additional funding.
California growers will be able to select which type of efficient irrigation system best fits their operation while gaining relief from the area's crippling droughts. Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties are eligible for drought assistance. Registration for the drought initiative will run through April 9, 2010.
For more, read USDA's press release or the detailed program description.
IA Forms Calif. Water Working Group
March 19 2010
The IA Government Affairs Committee has formed a California Water Working Group to define IA’s position and how best to engage in specific issues affecting the availability and use of California’s water supply. The new group is one of several focused on addressing ongoing issues affecting the irrigation industry.
The California Water Working Group is co-chaired by Warren Gorowitz of the Ewing Company (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Barry Ruffalo of the Lindsay Corporation (Omaha, Neb.).