Get the Facts:
California’s Looming Water Crisis Issue Impact Paper: Agriculture

California’s agricultural industry generates over $30 billion per year. But that impressive economy is at risk because investments in our water infrastructure have not kept pace with growing demands. Our state’s reliance on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as the main switching yard for our water system puts our water supplies at risk, and immediate action is essential to ensure the continued growth, prosperity and sustainability of California’s vital agricultural industry.

California’s water system serves as a lifeline for our agricultural industry, providing water supplies to keep the industry thriving. But it has been decades since improvements were made to our reservoir storage capacity and the facilities used to convey water. We need to invest in improvements that protect our water supplies, reduce risks of a major levee failure in the Delta, increase water conveyance and storage capacity, and expand conservation and other key strategies. Without systematic investment and a long-term plan for our state’s water infrastructure – the consequences will be devastating.

California’s water infrastructure must be addressed now because:

• Water from the Delta irrigates 7 million acres of farmland
• Delta water sustains more than 300,000 acres of agriculture within the Delta
• A 6.5 earthquake or a major flood near the Delta could breach levees, many of which are more than 100 years old, allowing seawater to contaminate freshwater supplies and shutting off an irreplaceable water source for agriculture
• California’s agricultural industry provides thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenue for the state
• Without the continued vibrancy of California’s agricultural industry, California’s economy will suffer and food prices could skyrocket

Consider the huge contributions California’s agricultural industry make to our state, the nation and the world:

• California is the nation’s largest agricultural producer
• California is the nation’s sole producer (99% or more) of a large number of specialty crops, including almonds, figs, persimmons, raisins, sweet rice, artichokes, dried plums, olives, pomegranates and walnuts
• California is the nation’s leading fresh market state for vegetables and melons
• California sells agricultural products to nearly 150 countries
• Of the top 10 agriculture producing counties nationwide, nine are in California. In fact, Fresno County’s agricultural productivity alone outpaces 24 of the 50 states nationwide.

Specifically, the at-risk Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta:

• Has an average annual gross value of over $500 million (agriculture alone)
• Grows a variety of crops, including corn, grain and hay, sugar beets, alfalfa, pasture, tomatoes, asparagus, fruit, safflower

The need for a long-term, comprehensive solution:

• Additional water storage will make sure that we can deliver the water we need for agriculture
• Our state’s agricultural economy must have reliable and growing supplies

Please join leaders from the state’s business community to explore the water problems and discuss possible solutions.

Sources:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
California Farm Bureau Federation
California Chamber of Commerce, 2007 Business Issues Guide

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