The shelves and prices at your local grocery store might soon look a little different.
The shelves and prices at your local grocery store might soon look a little different. The Colorado River, which provides water for about 15% of our nation’s agriculture, is shrinking and the current agreement that divides water use ends in 2026.
THE The Imperial Valley in Southern California relies 100% on the Colorado River for its water. This valley receives less than three inches of rain per year, but nevertheless produces about two-thirds of the country’s winter produce.
A farm worker carries boxes through a broccoli field. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
Valley farmers say falling water levels and competing interests over the use of the river will negatively impact the country’s food supply.
“A lot of people say the Colorado River and the diminishing water supply is a problem that affects 40 million people, because they’re the ones who depend on it. I think that number is too low. I think 100 million of people rely on Colorado River water,” said Andrew Leimgruber, a fourth-generation farmer.
“When you’re between November and March, a large majority of your lettuce, broccoli, carrots, all your winter greens come either from the Imperial Valley or across the Colorado River from back home in Yuma , in Arizona,” Leimgruber said. .
Leimgruber checks the sprinklers of his irrigation system. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
The Colorado River is shared between seven states and Mexico. Imperial Valley farmers are the largest users of the river’s water.
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If the valley cannot produce enough crops, it can lead to long term problems.
“So the big issue for us in California is the increasing cost of labor, but also the ability to withstand pest pressure and things like that. One of the problems linked to lack of water is the lack of crop diversity. This diversity allows us to keep pests under control,” said Stephen Benson, manager of Benson Farms.
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Due to low water levels, some farmers in the valley are paid not to grow certain crops or to use less water. However, this is not always enough.
“I can say that it doesn’t always cover our costs. For example, if I want to install a drip irrigation system, I need $1,000 an acre. I can’t reach that amount as compensation. And that’s something that we need to study more, because as we move forward, conservation gets more and more expensive,” Benson said.
Workers on a farm cutting broccoli. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
The Imperial Irrigation District says it works with farmers on various water conservation efforts to help solve part of the problem.
“We’re providing additional funding so they can buy drip and sprinkler systems, tap water return systems, all kinds of new technology and precision laser field leveling that they can use. allow them to continue farming like they always do, just using less water,” said Tina Shields, Imperial Irrigation District Water Manager.
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If the seven states and Mexico cannot agree on how to use Colorado River water by 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation will step in and make the decisions.
