Wednesday, May 4, 2011

News articles and links from May 4, 2011

‘The Big Thirst’: The Future of Water

Blog

From NY Times – Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Coalition response...While the book’s author presents a wide range of knowledge about water issues around the world, his statement that farmers “never consider how much water they are using” does not reflect reality on California farms. To ignore the cost of water could mean the difference between a profit or a loss. The first question many bankers ask California farmers applying for a crop loan is “what is your supply of water and how dependable is it?”

California’s Decaying Water Management Systems

Blog

From Triple Pundit – Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Coalition response...It’s easy to misjudge how farmers in California utilize their resources to grow food from which we all benefit. In an academic world, reports such as the one he cites by the Pacific Institute take on a life of their own without any grounding in what really happens on the farm. We encourage the writer to seek a broader base of information, including real irrigation experts in the California State University and University of California systems to see what progress has been made in irrigation efficiency and what more is really achievable. Through all of this discussion it is important to remember that our nation’s farms produce food that is safe, healthy and affordable and it would cost California families about $3,820 more per year to feed themselves if their food costs equaled those of 28 other high income countries around the world. The real question people should be asking is “What would my family have to give up to pay more at the grocery store?”

No smelt, no salmon

Letter

From Sacramento Bee – Wednesday, May 4, 2011

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Coalition response...People should understand that farmers have been improving the efficiency of their irrigation systems for years. Farmers have increased their production volume from 1967 to 2000 by 89% with only a 2% increase in applied water per acre. Consumers have benefited from this increased water efficiency in a food supply that is safe, healthy and affordable.

WATER SUPPLY

Conservation and the water bond remain essential

Editorial

From Desert Sun – Tuesday, May 3, 2011

DELTA

Big fish eat little fish

Letter

From Sacramento Bee – Wednesday, May 4, 2011

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PROJECTS

Local ‘save the dams’ website online

Story

From Siskiyou Daily News – Tuesday, May 3, 2011

REGULATIONS

Water dispute needs collaboration

Commentary

By Richard Quandt

From Santa Maria Times – Tuesday, May 3, 2011

IRRIGATION PRACTICES

Grapevine irrigation centers on ‘when’ and ‘how much’

Story

From Western Farm Press – Wednesday, May 4, 2011

LEGISLATURE

Water fee bill meets resistance by Imperial Irrigation District board

Story

From IV Press – Wednesday, May 4, 2011

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