During my recent visit to Washington, D.C., we had the opportunity to engage in vital discussions with policymakers and industry leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing Western agriculture.
As a representative of California and the Family Farm Alliance, my focus was on advocating for solutions that address water shortages, resiliency, and the need for improved infrastructure. The decisions made in Washington have a significant impact on the future of farming communities like ours, and it’s crucial that our voice is heard—particularly when it comes to protecting American food production and navigating complex environmental regulations.
Western irrigated agriculture is not only a cornerstone of our national food supply but also a driving force behind the economies of regions like California’s Central Valley. A large portion of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts consumed nationwide come from these irrigated fields. Recent surveys show that food inflation is a top concern for American families, and the highest grocery store price increases since the 1980s are putting pressure on household budgets. The ability to produce food domestically is more critical now than ever, and if we allow Western agriculture to be undermined, the result will be more dependence on foreign food imports and higher prices for American consumers.
Our meetings with policymakers emphasized the need to sustain American food production by protecting the productive capacity of farms in the West. This means ensuring that water supplies remain reliable, avoiding disruptions at the ports, modernizing infrastructure, and safeguarding farmers from regulatory policies that reduce available water and take agricultural land out of production. Less domestic food production not only jeopardizes food security but also makes us more vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations.
If there’s one federal law that puts the most significant stress on Western irrigated agriculture, it’s the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Federal agencies implementing the ESA have disrupted previously reliable water supplies by reallocating water to the environment, often with little to no scientific justification. For example, water projects in California’s Central Valley and the Klamath River Basin have been particularly hard-hit, where farmers and ranchers have been forced to give up water for species protection without a clear path forward for responsible water management.
These disruptions don’t just impact individual farms—they have a ripple effect throughout rural economies and food supply chains. In our meetings, we highlighted that voluntary, collaborative conservation efforts, such as those championed by the Family Farm Alliance, are thriving in several basins across the West. These initiatives allow for targeted support of endangered species while maintaining agricultural productivity. We urged federal agencies to expand and support these community-driven solutions rather than relying on top-down regulatory mandates that undermine agricultural viability.
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the urgent need to invest in modernizing water infrastructure in the West. Much of the existing infrastructure was built decades ago and is not currently managed to handle the droughts and climate variability we face. Without strategic investments and better management, including increased storage capacity and reliable water delivery systems, Western agriculture is at risk. Our message to Congress and the Administration was clear: we need accelerated funding, streamlined permitting, and more flexibility in using federal dollars to support critical infrastructure projects.
Throughout our meetings, a central theme was the importance of pursuing collaborative, community-based solutions rather than adversarial approaches. Local stakeholders, who best understand the unique needs and dynamics of their water basins, must be empowered to develop and implement strategies that balance agricultural production with environmental stewardship. We highlighted the success of efforts supported by the Family Farm Alliance and called for expanding such initiatives. These solutions are often more effective, can be tailored to meet local needs, and foster a spirit of cooperation rather than conflict.
During our meetings with members of Congress and Administration officials, we emphasized several key priorities for Western agriculture, including:
- Protecting American Food Production: Maintaining the productive capacity of Western irrigated agriculture is essential for food security. Any policies or regulations that reduce water availability for farms or take land out of production must be carefully scrutinized.
- Efficient Implementation of Federal Funding: Ensuring that the billions of dollars available for repairing aging water infrastructure, improving conservation efforts, and developing new storage and delivery systems are put to use quickly and effectively.
- Reforming the Endangered Species Act: We called for reforms to the ESA to ensure that water reallocations are based on sound science and do not disproportionately impact agriculture. Voluntary conservation efforts must be prioritized over rigid regulatory mandates.
- Expediting Federal Permitting Processes: Congress must pass meaningful reforms to cut red tape and expedite the permitting of critical water and infrastructure projects.
- Support for Western Agriculture in the Farm Bill: It is essential that the 2024 Farm Bill include provisions that help Western producers adapt to the water supply impacts, with a focus on drought resilience and water-use efficiency.
One of the most memorable events of the trip was a reception held on the balcony of the House Speaker’s office, where we had the opportunity to engage with Congressional leaders, including Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. These conversations reinforced that there is strong support for advancing policies that protect Western agriculture and the American food supply.
My recent trip to Washington, D.C., was a powerful reminder that our work to protect Western agriculture and the American food supply is far from over. While we made significant progress in highlighting the urgent needs of our farmers and ranchers, it’s clear that we must continue to push for policies that recognize the value of American-grown food and the critical role of irrigated agriculture. As we face ongoing water challenges and regulatory pressures, I will continue to advocate for collaborative, science-based solutions that balance environmental needs with the stability and productivity of our farms.
I encourage fellow farmers, business leaders, and all members of our community to get involved—reach out to your representatives, share your stories, and support organizations that are fighting to protect our water resources. The health of our local economy, job security, and the stability of our communities are all tied to the strength of our agricultural sector. And when you are casting your vote, be thoughtful and consider supporting our local agriculture champions, Congressman John Duarte, Congressman Jim Costa and Congressman David Valadao, who have consistently advocated for the needs of farmers and the well-being of our entire region. These efforts benefit not just farmers, but also local businesses, schools, and families who rely on a strong agricultural base. Together, we can ensure that Western agriculture remains resilient and capable of sustaining our communities and feeding our nation for generations to come.
I remain committed to advocating for policies that support the long-term viability of Western agriculture and rural communities. My trip to Washington, D.C., was just one step in this ongoing effort. I will continue to work closely with industry leaders and policymakers to ensure that Western farmers have the resources they need to thrive and continue providing food security for our country.
