The 3 agency secretaries told Sen. Budget Subcommittee 2 the drought is the dominant 2014-15 budget driver, and response is ongoing. CDFA Secty.
Ross reminded the subcommittee that CDFA over the past five years lost 40% of its General Fund budget, which included $23 million annually for plant diseases. The private sector picked up much of the burden, she said, “and the winegrape industry is a very good model”
Growers have invested heavily in precision irrigation and emerging devices, such as soil sensors, Ross said in answer to senators’ questions. Irrigation districts need to match the on-farm technology with on-demand water delivery. She said the recent drought emergency aid will provide funds for these projects.
Water conservation is a complex balance, explained Resources Sectry. John Laird. Super-efficient irrigation means reduced groundwater recharge.
Laird said the 3 agencies would “absolutely” re-assess the zero allocation from the State Water Project. “We will be flexible with what we have, and we don’t have much.”
With the prospect of prolonged dry periods, preserving ag land is another budget issue. Sen. Jim Nielsen said he is reviving a bill to restructure the Williamson Act. Laird pledged to work with him. “We are well aware of your legislation,” Laird said. “There is no ag land conservation without a reliable funding source.” CARB cap-and-trade funds will be used for ag land preservation, he said, including a study of next steps.