MARCH | APRIL 2016
Almond Facts
29
CaliforniaWater Realities
With El Niño on the forefront of most growers’ minds,
Mike Wade, executive director of the Farm Water Coalition
addressed the group on the current water situation within
California, allowing growers to ask specific questions
and raise their concerns. The group further discussed the
impacts of water policies and regulations on farmers, the
challenges farmers will face in the coming year and what
growers themselves can do.
“What can you do as individuals to effect change?” Wade
asked. “Talk to people who have the power to change the
situation. You as growers can help the public understand
water issues.”
At the meeting, Wade noted that California has received
approximately 50 percent of the needed annual water
supply, about 19 out of 40 inches. And, according to a
recent report by the California Department of Water
Resources, the statewide snowpack is 83 percent of the
March 1 average.
