From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request.  To receive News Line, click here and submit your request.

No need to fast-track latest attempt at canal

Coalition response...To suggest that some San Joaquin Valley farmers should walk away from their lands because of a salt issue fails to recognize how productive these farmers are. These farmers are employing the newest technology and efficient irrigation practices that enable them to produce safe and healthful food that serves California families and many others around the world. Efforts by farmers in the Grassland Bypass Project south of Los Banos have helped to effectively manage salt, selenium and other harmful elements toward halting this discharge from reaching the San Joaquin River. The Environmental Protection agency recently characterized this effort as a "success story." Walking away from the land puts people out of work and disrupts the flow of food to our tables at a time when adding jobs and increasing the world's food supply is a necessity.