Farm Bureau: Bipartisan water proposal represents a milestone

» July 10, 2008 «

As farmers abandon crops because of water shortages, the state's largest farm organization welcomed today's announcement of a bipartisan plan to address the California water crisis.

California Farm Bureau Federation President Doug Mosebar said the package announced by Gov. Schwarzenegger and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein represents a significant milestone in efforts to assure a reliable water supply for California.

"The water crisis is a calamity for family farmers and ranchers," Mosebar said. "They have faced the heartbreaking choice of walking away from crops and stumping trees that they have cared for. They have had to tell loyal employees that they have no work to offer this year. They have seen how the water shortages damage local businesses and government services."

Mosebar said the compromise plan proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Sen. Feinstein offers hope for the comprehensive water solution that California needs.

"Water shortages hurt our farms, our cities and our environment," he said. "California needs better ways to move water around the state and more places to store water between seasons and years. We will work with Governor Schwarzenegger and Senator Feinstein to pursue balanced water policies that benefit all Californians."

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of 92,000 members statewide.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

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