FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - A group of farmers in the heart of California’s agricultural region have cut a historic deal with the state to reduce their water use by 25 percent in exchange for avoiding deeper mandatory cuts sure to come later.
Officials say the pact could serve as a model for other farmers throughout the state struggling against the drought.
WHO ARE THEY?
The farmers work land in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta - the hub of California’s water system. They grow tomatoes, grapes, asparagus and grains on riverfront land that has been tilled since the Gold Rush. Their senior water rights are iron-clad.
WHAT HAVE THEY PROPOSED?
The farmers agreed to cut their usual water use by 25 percent during the peak growing season through September. They can also choose to leave one-quarter of the farmland unplanted. In exchange, the state says it will spare them from deeper cuts that could be imposed on farmers who did not accept the deal.
WHAT IS THE POSITION OF THE STATE?
State officials say the agreement shows the willingness of farmers to do their part during the four-year drought and should be an example to other farmers and industries. California already has ordered cities and towns to reduce water use by 25 percent while seeking proposals on how more water can be conserved.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR OTHER FARMERS?
As soon as next week, the state expects to start ordering senior water rights holders in other parts of the state to stop pumping river water. Those farmers will have to let their crops die, irrigate with precious groundwater or buy expensive water on the market.
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