IRVINE, Calif., (December 5, 2016) — Statement by Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif in support of the bipartisan California water deal as part of the FY17 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA):

“A wise proverb reads: ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ For the last several years, rural communities and urban residents alike have been waiting for Congress to take the first step to restore more balanced operation of our water projects in the Delta. We are pleased that leaders in the House and Senate appear ready to finally move us all forward with the introduction of negotiated drought language in the WRDA legislation.

“We applaud Senator Feinstein, House Majority Leader McCarthy, Congressmen Costa, Valadao, Nunes, Denham, Calvert and all who remained diligent in this process. The product of three years of work, this legislation can lay the foundation for additional good work to be done in the next Congress.

“The timing of this agreement is critical. With several early storms already behind us, California is entering its rainy season and we cannot once again allow flawed policies to prevent reasonable diversion of runoff to storage.”

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California and Colorado. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.