The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on August 1 that it will invest $400 million in collaboration with at least 18 irrigation districts to assist farmers in continuing commodity production while conserving water across the Western United States. The funding aims to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet of water across 250,000 acres of irrigated land and create new sustainable market opportunities.
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado stated, "Family farmers, water users, and communities across the American West are facing the effects of a 1200-year drought and a changing climate. This is a five-alarm fire, and Washington ought to treat it that way."
Representative Yadira Caraveo from Colorado expressed her excitement about the bicameral effort leading to this investment: “This new Water Savings Commodity Program and federal investments will be life-changing for Colorado.”
Senator Martin Heinrich from New Mexico highlighted the need for better tools to stay prepared for extreme weather events driven by climate change. He praised USDA's initiative as a response to calls for innovative resources.
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon emphasized the importance of using federal resources to address long-term drought fueled by climate chaos: “My colleagues and I urged the administration to take action earlier this year, and I applaud the USDA for creating this new program.”
Senator Alex Padilla from California noted that these investments would build resilience in agricultural production: “California farmers feed the nation, but long-term Western drought and water supply challenges threaten their livelihoods.”
Representative Gabe Vasquez from New Mexico welcomed the $400 million investment as crucial for addressing droughts and improving water conservation efforts.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon stressed that communities facing droughts need every available resource: “These are not your grandfather’s fires. They burn hotter and bigger than at any other time in recent history.”
Several irrigation districts also expressed their support for USDA's initiative. Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage District emphasized the necessity of water-saving projects. Central Oregon Irrigation District appreciated USDA's investment in conservation projects aimed at improving crop yields.
East Columbia Basin Irrigation District looked forward to partnering with USDA on critical efforts to enhance irrigation efficiency. Elephant Butte Irrigation District saw this collaboration as an opportunity to advance innovative strategies addressing lower levels of water availability.
Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District considered this partnership consistent with its goals to improve water use efficiency while sustaining regional agriculture. Greybull Valley Irrigation District was eager about exploring conservation measures beneficial for all members.
Imperial Irrigation District planned to align USDA funding with existing on-farm conservation programs. Maricopa Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District viewed investing in agriculture as investing in America.
Palisade Irrigation District anticipated saving water through improved delivery systems, while Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District prioritized providing efficient irrigation water through federal partnerships.
Sutter Mutual Water Company saw an opportunity for innovation through partnership with USDA. Zippy Duval from American Farm Bureau Federation acknowledged USDA's recognition of western farmers' unique challenges due to prolonged drought conditions.
Kevin Moran from Environmental Defense Fund regarded USDA’s investments as crucial support during one of the region’s driest stretches in history. Dan Keppen from Family Farm Alliance supported local governance over water resource challenges facilitated by federal funding.
Julie O’Shea from Farmers Conservation Alliance praised Senators Merkley and Wyden’s encouragement towards creating programs addressing long-term drought challenges. Kim LaFleur from National Association of Conservation Districts committed NACD’s cooperation with USDA in implementing effective conservation practices.
Erin Foster West from National Young Farmers Coalition hoped investments would prioritize resilient ecosystems alongside efficiency: "Tribes and acequias can be models of water conservation tools."
