Groundwater can expect increasing attention in the future. The Center has published several studies on water transfers. Related to this work we will now investigate in more detail the impacts of proposed water transfers and water markets on groundwater usage and management. Recent research results are being summarized in a forthcoming AIC Issues Brief, and a more detailed study for the southern San Joaquin Valley has been initiated. This topic will be investigated as a possibility for a future major Center study.
Air quality is another area of significant concern to agriculture.
Public attention and regulation has highlighted rice straw burning, particulate matter and animal waste odor as sources of particular concern. A part of this issue is the effect of control and eradication measures on environmental quality and on perceptions of California residents. AIC will deal with these environmental concerns in the overall project on exotic pest issues. There are many vital concerns facing California. A lunch address and question and answer session with California Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman highlighted the annual UC Executive Seminar on Agricultural Issues held at the Sacramento Hyatt on December 11, 1997.