There is great opportunity to support agricultural water stewardship at the policy level. A range of incentives and support programs will stimulate widespread adoption of ag water stewardship approaches across the state. We are in the process of researching specific policy opportunities that will generate multiple benefits to ensure the long-term sustainability of both agriculture and water resources. First steps toward addressing policy needs are outlined in Water Stewardship: Ensuring a Secure Future for California Agriculture. Please contact us for more information.
Policy Solutions for Agricultural Water Stewardship
Climate Change Policy and Agricultural Water
August 2008
Agricultural water transport and pumping is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector. Bringing more funding and support to ag water stewardship practices that build local water resources and alleviate the need for conveyed water will both boost agricultural viability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative made recommendations for the implementation of the Climate Change Solutions Act of 2008 (AB32) that support agricultural water stewardship practices through incentives and technical assistance.
CDFA and the State Board of Food and Agriculture AgVision 2030
July 2008
This month, several partner organizations made a submission on agricultural water stewardship to the AgVision 2030 process, which aims to create a strategic plan for agriculture over the coming decades. The submission calls for programs and policies focused on improving agricultural water use efficiency and promoting management options that conserve the state water supply while economically benefiting growers. In an era of dwindling water supplies, proactive water management strategies are essential to a sustainable agriculture industry in California.