Water Conservation and Drought
CCOF is deeply concerned about the drought conditions in California and the impact this is having on producers in the Central Valley especially, some of whom are CCOF members. We are pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger has declared an emergency and we will continue to keep you updated on the specifics of this situation.
CCOF's summer issue of our magazine, Certified Organic , will have a feature article on water conservation in California, informing us about organic farmers who are implementing practices that help protect one of California's most precious resources. CCOF has been working with other organizations like the California Institute for Rural Studies (CIRS) and the Polaris Institute which are both working on water issues. The recently released report, "Water Stewardship: Ensuring a Secure Future For California Agriculture," contains compelling research and information about organic farming practices that incorporate water conservation methods that you'll find compelling. If you'd like additional information or have questions about water, please contact Claudia Reid.
CCOF Responds to Pacific Institute Report
According to news reports, the recently released Pacific Institute report on California agriculture and water use recommends changing California's farming operations from high water use crops such as grains and cereals to row crops such as vegetables. The report also discusses how to maintain a healthy agriculture economy in California while using less water.
CCOF farmers range across a wide diversity of cropping systems and we are proud that our producers and processors incorporate water conservation measures into their organic practices. CCOF continues to work with other groups to improve the biodiversity of California agriculture and to conserve our most precious resource, our water. The summer issue of CCOF's magazine, Certified Organic, contains more information about how CCOF members are implementing practical, effective water conservation measures.
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