California Farmers Volunteer to Cut Water Use

Farmers in California have offered to reduce their water use by 25%, which matches a mandatory water reduction that Gov. Jerry Brown (D) called for in cities and towns in April.

The BBC reported that a group of about 350 farmers made the concession after state officials threatened to cut their water rights. The agreement is the first of its kind in more than 30 years, and involves farmers in the delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers.

California is in its fourth year of drought; the U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that 94% of the state was in severe drought or worse.

When Brown issued the mandatory water reduction in cities and towns seven weeks ago, some residents pushed back, arguing that as they shortened their showers and stopped watering their lawns, the farm industry also should use less.

The farmers have until June 1 to present plans on how they will reduce water use by a fourth. While the restriction is voluntary, expectations are that farmers are committed and willing to doing their part. S