Western Growers

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Water

Western Growers takes on the tough issues – issues important to you.

Now, like never before, California agriculture is in crisis. Immediate solutions to the ever-worsening drought have been identified and they must be approved and funded now to ensure the future of agriculture in California. Western Growers is fighting for you.

Membership in Western Growers is a solid investment in your future.

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Go to Online Membership Application or 949-885-2265

How your Legislator Voted on the CA Water Bond

After decades of negotiating, the California legislature finally passed a comprehensive water package in early November, including a $11.4 billion water bond to pay for the overhaul. Three billion would be set aside for new water storage, which could be reservoirs, along with more than $2 billion for restoration of the Delta ecosystem. Other monies would pay for water recycling, drought relief, conservation and watershed protection projects, among other uses. The bond requires voter approval.

To find out how your Senator and Assembly Member voted on the water bond please click here.

If you do not know who your Senator or Assembly Member is please click here and enter your zip code.

Nassif Urges Salazar to Take Action, Free-Up Water for the Sake of California Agriculture

Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif joined Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar at a town hall meeting at Fresno State University to discuss California's ever-worsening natural- and regulatory-drought, which is crippling California agriculture.

Nassif, at the request of Salazar, delivered opening remarks before a standing room only crowd of more than 700 attendees. California Secretary for Natural Resources Mike Chrisman, Comedian Paul Rodriquez, Westland's Water District General Manager/General Counsel Tom Birmingham and United Farm Workers Union (UFW) President Arturo Rodriguez joined Nassif in delivering opening presentations.

Schwarzenegger Taps Snow to Lead Fed Water Effort

Following Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announcing Deputy Secretary David Hayes as the department's designee on California's water issues, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a press release yesterday announced Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow will serve as the state's lead in working with the federal government and coordinating all state actions to quickly address our water management challenges in both the short and long term.

Schwarzenegger Meets with Western Growers Leaders on Water

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his top aides discussed both state and federal elements of the California water supply crisis with Western Growers' leadership.

Western Growers Board Chairman Kevin Andrew led the association's contingent, which also included Western Growers Water Committee Chairman John Harris, former Board Chairman Steve Patricio and President and CEO Tom Nassif.

The Governor responded favorably to the Western Growers delegation's appeals that he continue to push the Obama Administration to relieve Delta pumping restrictions as well as the need for the Governor to reject water legislation imposing new mandates on farmers without addressing the Governor's push for new surface storage, conveyance and Delta restoration.

Water Issues Examined During Bay-Delta Tour

The 1600-square miles of the California Delta was explored and traversed by about a hundred interested professionals, citizens and young “water leaders” eager to understand the problems and possible solutions to the water supply crisis that currently grips California.

Sponsored by the Water Education Foundation, the Bay-Delta Tour is offered annually providing a firsthand look at the water facilities, rivers and regions critical in the debate about the future of water resources. Among that group were four members of Western Growers staff including President and CEO Tom Nassif (pictured above, right) and Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs Dave Puglia (pictured above, left).