Agriculture

Reader Reactions

It’s easy to criticize California water conservation. It’s a lot harder to offer solutions

As California officials craft new regulations for urban water conservation, critics who belittle the importance of these efforts are often deflecting, a water policy advocate argues.

By Mark Gold • January 31, 2024

Commentary

California regulators want to spend billions to reduce a fraction of water usage

Household use is a tiny fraction of California's overall water supply, but the state wants to spend billions of dollars to make a tiny reduction in that already infinitesimal bit of water consumption.

By Dan Walters • January 26, 2024

Commentary

California’s water wars see some breakthroughs but more clashes loom

After years of jousting among California's many water interests, there have been a few major breakthroughs recently. But other battles, such as validity of long-standing water rights, remain unsettled.

By Dan Walters • December 18, 2023

Commentary

Return of lethal citrus disease in California requires partnership between growers and government

The California Department of Food and Agriculture recently issued a quarantine order for Ventura County after Huanlongbing, a devastating citrus disease, was discovered. To overcome the threat, government and growers of all sizes have a key role to play.

By Guest Commentary • October 16, 2023

Commentary

California has a new plan for the Delta but faces the same conflicts over water

California has a new proposal for allocating water to enhance the environmentally fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, but the state's fundamental water conflicts remain.

By Dan Walters • October 8, 2023

Commentary

California needs to step up after shadowy land deals near Travis Air Force Base

The federal government is investigating major land acquisitions near Travis Air Force Base to determine whether the owner Flannery Associates poses a security risk. California can also intervene to protect the significant water, agriculture and environmental interests at stake.

By Guest Commentary • August 7, 2023

California Divide

California to send $95 million to undocumented flooding victims – months after promising ‘rapid response’

Gov. Gavin Newsom in March said state relief would soon help flood victims who don’t qualify for federal emergency relief. The state has yet to name nonprofits that will dole out the aid.

By Nicole Foy • May 31, 2023

California Divide

Can Fresno bridge its economic divide? California’s millions boost Black businesses, ag tech

Fresno is one of the most economically distressed and unequal regions in California. Fresno DRIVE, a public-private effort, is starting to boost minority businesses, agricultural technology, and other initiatives.

By Nicole Foy • May 23, 2023

Climate Change

Mangoes and agave in the Central Valley: California farmers try new crops to cope with climate change

The future of farming in California is changing as the planet warms, altering the rain and heat patterns that guide which crops are grown where. “We’re adjusting for survival,” one grower said.

By Alastair Bland • May 9, 2023

Commentary

California’s lengthy battle for water rights moves into the Legislature

Pardon the pun, but 2023 could be a watershed year not only for its immense amounts of rainfall and snow but for the 173-year war for control of California's water supply.

By Dan Walters • April 25, 2023