Water supply
Blog
By Sasha Lyutse
From NRDC - Friday, Oct. 12, 2012
Coalition response...This writer has decided that San Joaquin Valley farmers should change
the way they grow crops in order to feed the world. Any understanding of the
decisions that farmers make in providing a safe and affordable supply of food
is absent in this article.
Farmers realize that the soil
they till and plant is essential to their future. Any decisions regarding
inputs are made with a sustainability of the soil in mind. After all, if
farmers did not care for the soil they would be out of business. Suggesting
that current farming practices result in "environmental devastation"
is short-sighted and just plain wrong.
Unfortunately, the author
references a "landmark report" about nitrates in the soil that has
come under intense scrutiny. Today's nutrient management practices are much
better than they were 10, 20 or 30 years ago. The suggested changes have
probably already taken place. Furthermore, "encouraging all farms...to
move across the sustainability spectrum" is double-speak for increased
regulations, something that further drives small farms out of business.
California farmers contribute
significantly to the nation's access to affordable, locally-grown fresh fruits
and vegetables. A recent study by the California Farm Water Coalition
shows Americans pay just 6.2% of their disposable income on food and
non-alcoholic beverages compared to 10.2% for consumers in 28 other high-income
countries. At the same 10.2%, Americans would have to spend an additional $3,820
per year at the grocery store, which in this economy many can't spare.
Farming is difficult, even for
the men and women who live with it every day. Imagine how much more difficult
it would be and the consequences that could occur when those decisions are
coming from a blogger's desk far, far away.
WATER SUPPLY
Story
From Wall Street Journal - Monday, Oct. 15, 2012
Story
From Sacramento Bee - Monday, Oct. 15, 2012
Story
From SD Union-Tribune - Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012
Story
From Modesto Bee - Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012
(This arrticle was previously
printed in the Sacramento Bee.)
Story
From SF Chronicle - Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012
DELTA
Story
From Stockton Record - Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012
MEETINGS
Press release
From Water Association of Kern County - Monday, Oct.
15, 2012
Story
From Visalia Times-Delta - Monday, Oct. 15, 2012
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