Over the past several years cropping patterns in California have been shifting from grains and other annual crops to higher value vegetables and permanent crops such as trees and vines. This shift in cropping patterns intensifies the need for water supply reliability. Fallowing land is not an option once trees and vines are planted. Farmers continue to invest heavily in irrigation technologies that improve water use efficiency and delivery. San Joaquin Valley agriculture is now quite proficient at managing surface water supplies and groundwater conjunctively, relying on groundwater in times of drought.
Many water districts obtain needed supplies through water transfers.
It is an economic and environmental necessity for farmers to manage their water as efficiently as possible, as the price of water continues to rise. Programs to enhance water use efficiency should be incentive-based and tailored to address regional conditions. Governor Wilson has recognized the importance of long-term water supplies at a reasonable cost, with dry year groundwater reserves where feasible. His objectives have been clear. We must seize the opportunity we now have to provide long-term water supply security, not only for agriculture, but for all Californians.