Will be held at the Fresno County Fairgrounds
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Farmers, ranchers and other agriculture producers in California are invited to attend a drought forum at the Fresno County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, May 5th. The meeting is being hosted by the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
“Having the opportunity to hear from our state’s farmers, ranchers and farm workers provides perspective for all us,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross in a release. “With all the information and misinformation that has developed in the last several weeks, we need to keep in mind that all Californians are in this together.”
As it currently stands, the U.S. Drought Monitor considers 92% of California to be in a “severe drought” while more than 40% of the state battles “exceptional drought.” In 2014, more than 400,000 acres were left fallowed, causing nearly 17,000 jobs to be lost in the process.
The whole situation resulted in economic losses of about $1.5 billion to California’s economy in 2014 and could exceed that number.
Not only is the drought causing havoc, but the water supply in California is in jeopardy - to the point that Governor Jerry Brown called for fines of up to $10,000 for residents and businesses who waste the most water.
“This drought will have lasting impacts to cities, farms and the environment,” said Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Farmers and ranchers across the state have made significant strides in water conservation and efficiency, reducing overall water use and producing more food and fiber than ever before. These conservation and efficiency efforts are only even more critical in times of drought. We must ensure that we as farmers are making every drop of water count.”
The drought forum will take place at the Fresno County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, May 5th from 10am – 1pm in the Industry Commerce Building.
Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about the drought in California.
Drought is ravaging California's farm lands.