Since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, attention has been heavily focused on his plans regarding immigration, border security, and government efficiency. However, California’s fertile farm country is recalling his remarks about water policy. Farmers in the Central Valley are closely watching his moves, hoping for changes to stabilize the essential water supplies for their crops.
California is responsible for producing three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts and over a third of its vegetables. The state relies heavily on a sophisticated network of dams and canals that channel water to its agriculturally rich Central Valley. Yet, years of overuse, drought, and increasing environmental restrictions have significantly limited access to both surface and groundwater for farmers.
High Hopes for Change
Farmers are optimistic that the upcoming Trump administration will prioritize water management reforms in the U.S. to ensure consistent flow from federally managed projects like the Central Valley Project. Jason Phillips, CEO of the Friant Water Authority, emphasized the significance of water access, stating, “It is the number one issue.” He added, “You only need labor and you only need the products and the equipment and everything else to grow food if you have water.”
Trump’s recent criticism of water management policies has resonated with many farmers. On his Truth Social platform, Trump condemned the “rerouting of MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER A DAY FROM THE NORTH OUT INTO THE PACIFIC OCEAN” and advocated for utilizing this resource for California’s towns, cities, and farms.
A Controversial Past
During Trump’s prior administration, regulatory adjustments intended to allocate more water to California farms. However, these moves sparked backlash from environmental groups who cited potential harm to endangered species like the delta smelt and Chinook salmon. The Biden administration later reversed these rules, achieving a balance between agricultural needs and environmental preservation.
Critics have argued that previous policies have severely affected wildlife. Barry Nelson, policy advisor to the Golden State Salmon Association, highlighted decisions that drained cold water reserves behind Shasta Dam, resulting in catastrophic effects on salmon populations. “It literally cooked the baby salmon before they were hatched,” Nelson stated.
Water Uncertainty Undermines Agriculture
For farmers like Daniel Errotabere, a third-generation grower in the Central Valley, the stakes are high. California’s recent restrictions on groundwater pumping and fluctuating allocations from surface water projects have made their job increasingly difficult. Errotabere highlighted the frustration, saying, “If electricity was delivered this way there’d be a revolt.” He added, “This is not any way to operate resources.”
Farmers have faced limited allocations despite recent rains that replenished reservoirs after years of severe drought. This inconsistency in allocation has forced some farmers to leave fields fallow and scale back production.
Competing Demands and Environmental Concerns
The debate over California’s water allocation is not only about competing priorities but also about resources. Environmentalists and commercial fishermen have argued that reduced water flow to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has harmed the ecosystem. Fish populations, such as Chinook salmon, have collapsed leading to a two-year ban on California’s salmon fishing industry.
Environmental advocates have called for measures to address these challenges and restore the ecosystem. Although critical of Trump-era water policies, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has faced criticism for his own rules. Jon Rosenfield, science director at San Francisco Baykeeper, stated that Newsom’s policies “were never that much different.”
Seeking Sustainable Solutions
Aubrey Bettencourt, who oversaw water policy during Trump’s previous administration, highlighted the need for operational certainty in water management. “It makes it very hard to plan not just as a farmer but as a city manager,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of adapting water systems to restore operational certainty.
Proposed solutions to California’s water challenges include increased conservation, expanded water storage capacity, and technological innovations. However, turning these proposals into reality is still a formidable task, especially when each stakeholder group advocates for its own priorities.
A Balancing Act in the Future
As California struggles to meet competing demands on its water resources, farmers remain hopeful that the future administration will prioritize their needs. Errotabere and other farmers have highlighted the critical role of stable water supplies in sustaining agriculture, which is a lifeline for feeding the nation.
