SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 26
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
1
Sustainable (?)
agriculture and water
in California
David A. Bainbridge
2002
2
What does sustainable
mean?
It depends who you ask
To many, including me,
it means the ability to persist
for a long time
3
Sustainability includes
Ecological
(environmental)
and
Cultural considerations
(economics, politics, religion,
community)
4
Several thousand years old
California’s Bristlecone Pines and the
creosote bushes of the Mojave desert are examples of
ecological sustainability - with young seedlings
beneath the patriarchs
5
Zorastrianism 2700 years young
is a sustainable religious group
The American Amish offer an
example of a sustainable cultural/religious group
(300 years). With the highest retention ever today
(~90%)
6
With that as background let us
consider water and agriculture in
California
Abandoned farm land Owen’s Valley, California
7
The ecological question:
Is agriculture as currently
practiced sustainable in
California?
In many areas it is not
Water use exceeds supply, drainage problems, salinity
buildup, pollution from biocides
The existing water supply system has severely damaged
California’s native ecosystems, degraded virtually
every stream and river, destroyed the once massive
salmon runs, and threatens many more
A half-million acres are expected to fall out of farming in
the next ten years due to lack of water
8
The cultural question:
Is agriculture economically
sustainable in California?
Many farms survive thanks to direct farm program
payments, and more commonly from subsidized
water and power (often at 10% of true cost),
subsidized drainage, minimal pollution control,
largely uncontrolled damage to ecosystems and
species biodiversity, and destruction of valuable
services once provided by Nature (flood control,
pollution cleanup, oxygen, recreation, fish, etc.)
9
An example:
rice production in California
Several hundred thousand acres of rice are grown,
using up to 3 acre feet of water per acre
Photo: Tom and Sally Myers
10
California grew rice worth $485
million (1999-2000) with $480
million in Federal farm payments
More than a million acre feet of water with an open
market value between $200 and $2000 per
AF was used
California rice consumed between $200 million and
2 billion dollars worth of water to make $5 million
11
Although many farmers are not willing to
concede the point, most low value crops are
on their way out
Even high value crops like avocados can’t compete
with urban water buyers - who currently spend
more than $1 million dollars an acre foot for bottled
water.
Recent open market water sales have been up to
$1850 AF in the Southwest
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$
Water flows uphill to money!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$
12
Can politics save the
farmers?
The farm lobby is powerful, well-
organized and has often been
successful in defending illogical,
expensive and environmentally
damaging policies and programs
They will resist and slow the change -
but the pressure is too great
13
Agriculture in much of
California is ephemeral- not
sustainable
It has always been so - the once profitable farms of
Vermont and New Hampshire have vanished into
history. These states are considering subsidies to
keep a few fields open and mowed for scenic
values
A study of the European Union showed that half of
the farmland would fall out of production if
subsidies and supports were removed
14
If subsidies and support payments were
removed much farmland would fall out of
production
Political pressure and special interest lobbying will
slow down the process, but farmland
abandonment will recreate the environmental and
cultural problems of the Owens Valley and
Antelope Valley on a massive scale in the San
Joaquin and Imperial Valleys
It will also create opportunities for environmental
restoration and recreation of valuable native
habitats - including the almost vanished California
grasslands, mesquite bosques and wetlands
15
The challenges ahead!
1. Create fair, visible and free markets for
water (overcoming water rights problems,
political shenanigans, and special
interests)
We do not really have a water supply
problem:
we have a water allocation problem
Making water cost visible should include
water meters in the living room or kitchen
of every home built from now on
16
2. Develop true cost accounting for water (it
is often considered a free good - with
charges only for delivery). San Diego has
among the highest costs $1686 acre foot
The value of Nature’ Services must be
considered
True cost accounting will drive efficiency
improvement -- often dramatically
When reporting about water and agriculture -
follow the money
17
3. Pay for the Colorado River water we have
taken from Mexico, typically 10 -12 million
acre feet a year with a value of perhaps 2
billion dollars
Payments could be earmarked for pollution
control, water conservation, water
harvesting, improved farm water use
efficiency and building recycling and
desalinization plants
18
4. Optimize water use on farms. Explore new
high value crops, halophytes (salt tolerant
plants), improved irrigation efficiency and
use of reclaimed water
5. Refine super-efficient systems. My trials
included growing trees with 1 liter of water
a month using deep pipe, wick, and porous
tubes.
19
6. Promote water
harvesting and
stormwater
capture for urban
area agriculture
and landscaping
7. Support
rainwater
harvesting on
commercial and
residential
property
Brad Lancaster’s tanks
20
8. Higher prices will encourage dramatic
efficiency improvements (up to 90%) and
will encourage more environmentally
appropriate landscaping
If the Native Americans had conquered
England would they graze buffalo on the
lawns of Buckingham Palace?
Raise saguaro cactus?
21
Our use of lawns in San Diego is
equally inappropriate
22
9. Develop reclamation plans and programs before
land is abandoned and irrigation systems are
dismantled. Fallowed land in arid areas does not
recover quickly - it may take a thousand years
without intervention
10. Develop retraining and relocation programs to
assist both farmers and farm workers adjust to
new realities
23
11. Provide effective and continued support for
water allocations to Nature to protect biodiversity,
support ecological services and to protect future
generation’s options and opportunities
10. Protect taxpayers and water users from more
outrageous water payment schemes - where water
is sold to the farmer and then resold to cities at
cost multiples (or tie water profits to land
restoration)
24
12. Provide meaningful and accurate information on
water supply, use, cost and efficiency
improvement in schools and colleges with
demonstrations regionally or in every community.
The Casa del Agua in Tucson is an excellent
example.
25
What will Global Change bring?
Hotter and drier is not a
comforting trend!
What else?
• Increased fungal pests!
• Increased pressure from alien pest species
• Increased migration pressure
26
A Turkish
proverb
• Millions of
men have
lived without
love - none
have lived
without water

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Was ist angesagt?

Water supply demand and Water Quality
Water supply demand and Water Quality Water supply demand and Water Quality
Water supply demand and Water Quality biometrust
 
Urban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled Water
Urban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled WaterUrban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled Water
Urban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled WaterCarolyn R. Phinney, Ph.D.
 
Ribordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in Brief
Ribordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in BriefRibordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in Brief
Ribordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in BriefKelley Phillips
 
Water scarcity and conservation
Water scarcity and conservationWater scarcity and conservation
Water scarcity and conservationMijul Saxena
 
Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green Paper
Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green PaperWater Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green Paper
Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green PaperAlexandra Howe
 
CoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELI
CoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELICoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELI
CoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELICarolyn R. Phinney, Ph.D.
 
Ancient
AncientAncient
Ancientcmolk
 
All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation
All Things Trinity, All Things ConservationAll Things Trinity, All Things Conservation
All Things Trinity, All Things ConservationTrinity Waters
 
WATER SCARCITY
WATER SCARCITYWATER SCARCITY
WATER SCARCITYLai Han
 
Urban Agriculture on the Rooftop
Urban Agriculture on the RooftopUrban Agriculture on the Rooftop
Urban Agriculture on the RooftopElisaMendelsohn
 
Brazil Water Scarcity
Brazil Water ScarcityBrazil Water Scarcity
Brazil Water ScarcityGeoBlogs
 
Environmental Problems - water
Environmental Problems - waterEnvironmental Problems - water
Environmental Problems - waterAkshitha Reddy
 

Was ist angesagt? (20)

What will be the impact of water scarcity on food security?
What will be the impact of water scarcity on food security?What will be the impact of water scarcity on food security?
What will be the impact of water scarcity on food security?
 
Water crisis?
Water crisis?Water crisis?
Water crisis?
 
Water supply demand and Water Quality
Water supply demand and Water Quality Water supply demand and Water Quality
Water supply demand and Water Quality
 
Urban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled Water
Urban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled WaterUrban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled Water
Urban Farming with Greenhouses and Recycled Water
 
Trends And Scenarios In Agricultural Development - Colin Chartres - Internati...
Trends And Scenarios In Agricultural Development - Colin Chartres - Internati...Trends And Scenarios In Agricultural Development - Colin Chartres - Internati...
Trends And Scenarios In Agricultural Development - Colin Chartres - Internati...
 
Water the-india-story
Water the-india-storyWater the-india-story
Water the-india-story
 
Ribordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in Brief
Ribordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in BriefRibordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in Brief
Ribordy, Kelley Growing to the Last Drop- Issue in Brief
 
Water scarcity and conservation
Water scarcity and conservationWater scarcity and conservation
Water scarcity and conservation
 
Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green Paper
Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green PaperWater Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green Paper
Water Management in the Food and Drink Industry _Green Paper
 
CoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELI
CoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELICoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELI
CoCo San Sustainable Farm, Hydroponic Greenhouse, Final Presentation JFK ELI
 
CPWF productivity vs. resilience lens IUCN Workshop Dec 10
CPWF productivity vs. resilience lens IUCN Workshop Dec 10CPWF productivity vs. resilience lens IUCN Workshop Dec 10
CPWF productivity vs. resilience lens IUCN Workshop Dec 10
 
Water Crisis
Water CrisisWater Crisis
Water Crisis
 
Ancient
AncientAncient
Ancient
 
All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation
All Things Trinity, All Things ConservationAll Things Trinity, All Things Conservation
All Things Trinity, All Things Conservation
 
Water crisis in india
Water crisis in indiaWater crisis in india
Water crisis in india
 
WATER SCARCITY
WATER SCARCITYWATER SCARCITY
WATER SCARCITY
 
Urban Agriculture on the Rooftop
Urban Agriculture on the RooftopUrban Agriculture on the Rooftop
Urban Agriculture on the Rooftop
 
Brazil Water Scarcity
Brazil Water ScarcityBrazil Water Scarcity
Brazil Water Scarcity
 
MW-Nov15 Searle
MW-Nov15 SearleMW-Nov15 Searle
MW-Nov15 Searle
 
Environmental Problems - water
Environmental Problems - waterEnvironmental Problems - water
Environmental Problems - water
 

Ähnlich wie Sustainable? agriculture and water in California

Water presentation final ppt
Water presentation final pptWater presentation final ppt
Water presentation final pptLisaMartinez78247
 
Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014
Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014
Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014Carolyn R. Phinney, Ph.D.
 
WaterEconomicsPolicy.ppt
WaterEconomicsPolicy.pptWaterEconomicsPolicy.ppt
WaterEconomicsPolicy.pptShaheerHassan24
 
Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...
Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...
Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...John Blue
 
Implementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply System
Implementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply SystemImplementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply System
Implementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply SystemLynn Holkesvik
 
The Pros And Cons Of The California Water Project
The Pros And Cons Of The California Water ProjectThe Pros And Cons Of The California Water Project
The Pros And Cons Of The California Water ProjectSamantha Caldwell
 
Revaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazine
Revaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazineRevaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazine
Revaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazineThe Rockefeller Foundation
 
Agriculture And Technology
Agriculture And TechnologyAgriculture And Technology
Agriculture And TechnologyGwen Hoffman
 
Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...
Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...
Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
 
A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County
A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County
A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County jeffrey vreeland
 
2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel
2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel
2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich SeithelCarolyn R. Phinney, Ph.D.
 
Peak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain World
Peak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain WorldPeak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain World
Peak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain WorldLaura Rinaldi
 

Ähnlich wie Sustainable? agriculture and water in California (20)

Water presentation final ppt
Water presentation final pptWater presentation final ppt
Water presentation final ppt
 
Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014
Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014
Diablo valley dem club presentation 3 18 2014
 
WaterEconomicsPolicy.ppt
WaterEconomicsPolicy.pptWaterEconomicsPolicy.ppt
WaterEconomicsPolicy.ppt
 
Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...
Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...
Mr. Sebastian Belle - Problems, Stumbling Blocks and Solutions for U.S. Aquac...
 
Soil Not Oil Conference 2016
Soil Not Oil Conference 2016Soil Not Oil Conference 2016
Soil Not Oil Conference 2016
 
Food & Water Crisis S9 Ait 3 Nov 09 V2
Food & Water Crisis S9 Ait 3 Nov 09 V2Food & Water Crisis S9 Ait 3 Nov 09 V2
Food & Water Crisis S9 Ait 3 Nov 09 V2
 
Implementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply System
Implementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply SystemImplementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply System
Implementing A Clean And Quality Water Supply System
 
Eau Et Crise Alimentaire Paris 18 Nov 09[1]
Eau Et Crise Alimentaire   Paris 18 Nov 09[1]Eau Et Crise Alimentaire   Paris 18 Nov 09[1]
Eau Et Crise Alimentaire Paris 18 Nov 09[1]
 
The Pros And Cons Of The California Water Project
The Pros And Cons Of The California Water ProjectThe Pros And Cons Of The California Water Project
The Pros And Cons Of The California Water Project
 
Concord Rotary Club Presentation 7 22 2015
Concord Rotary Club Presentation 7 22 2015Concord Rotary Club Presentation 7 22 2015
Concord Rotary Club Presentation 7 22 2015
 
Revaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazine
Revaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazineRevaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazine
Revaluing Ecosystems: A special edition of The Economist magazine
 
Maui - Agriculture and Water -- Yesterday and Today
Maui  - Agriculture and Water -- Yesterday and TodayMaui  - Agriculture and Water -- Yesterday and Today
Maui - Agriculture and Water -- Yesterday and Today
 
Agriculture And Technology
Agriculture And TechnologyAgriculture And Technology
Agriculture And Technology
 
Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...
Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...
Reviving The Rio: Returning water to one of America's most endangered and cli...
 
A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County
A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County
A Self-Sustaining Environ for ELiana in Chautuaqua County
 
2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel
2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel
2016 Slides for Federal Glover and Rich Seithel
 
Water shared
Water sharedWater shared
Water shared
 
Peak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain World
Peak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain WorldPeak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain World
Peak Water, Climate Change, and California Planning in an Uncertain World
 
Green infrastructure: Reconnecting Agriculture and Communities
Green infrastructure: Reconnecting Agriculture and CommunitiesGreen infrastructure: Reconnecting Agriculture and Communities
Green infrastructure: Reconnecting Agriculture and Communities
 
world earth day
world earth dayworld earth day
world earth day
 

Mehr von DavidBainbridge5

Soil treatment for dryland restoration
Soil treatment for dryland restorationSoil treatment for dryland restoration
Soil treatment for dryland restorationDavidBainbridge5
 
San Diego 400 years of change
San Diego 400 years of changeSan Diego 400 years of change
San Diego 400 years of changeDavidBainbridge5
 
Ethics in a time of global crises
Ethics in a time of global crisesEthics in a time of global crises
Ethics in a time of global crisesDavidBainbridge5
 
Getting the horse to drink: Improving student information skills
Getting the horse to drink: Improving student information skillsGetting the horse to drink: Improving student information skills
Getting the horse to drink: Improving student information skillsDavidBainbridge5
 
Environmental management reporting
Environmental management reportingEnvironmental management reporting
Environmental management reportingDavidBainbridge5
 
Desert destruction and restoration
Desert destruction and restorationDesert destruction and restoration
Desert destruction and restorationDavidBainbridge5
 
Plant production for restoration projects
Plant production for restoration projectsPlant production for restoration projects
Plant production for restoration projectsDavidBainbridge5
 
Planting and plant protection
Planting and plant protectionPlanting and plant protection
Planting and plant protectionDavidBainbridge5
 
Site assessment for restoration planning
Site assessment for restoration planningSite assessment for restoration planning
Site assessment for restoration planningDavidBainbridge5
 
Sistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riego
Sistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riegoSistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riego
Sistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riegoDavidBainbridge5
 
Light shelves for daylighting 2013
Light shelves for daylighting 2013Light shelves for daylighting 2013
Light shelves for daylighting 2013DavidBainbridge5
 
Ecocomposites: Lessons from History
Ecocomposites: Lessons from HistoryEcocomposites: Lessons from History
Ecocomposites: Lessons from HistoryDavidBainbridge5
 
Introduction to sustainable management 2008
Introduction to sustainable management 2008Introduction to sustainable management 2008
Introduction to sustainable management 2008DavidBainbridge5
 
Mesquite as a Keystone Species in the Southwest
Mesquite as a Keystone Species in the SouthwestMesquite as a Keystone Species in the Southwest
Mesquite as a Keystone Species in the SouthwestDavidBainbridge5
 
More efficient irrigation systems
More efficient irrigation systemsMore efficient irrigation systems
More efficient irrigation systemsDavidBainbridge5
 
Introduction to desert ecology and restoration
Introduction to desert ecology and restorationIntroduction to desert ecology and restoration
Introduction to desert ecology and restorationDavidBainbridge5
 

Mehr von DavidBainbridge5 (20)

Soil treatment for dryland restoration
Soil treatment for dryland restorationSoil treatment for dryland restoration
Soil treatment for dryland restoration
 
San Diego 400 years of change
San Diego 400 years of changeSan Diego 400 years of change
San Diego 400 years of change
 
Ethics in a time of global crises
Ethics in a time of global crisesEthics in a time of global crises
Ethics in a time of global crises
 
Getting the horse to drink: Improving student information skills
Getting the horse to drink: Improving student information skillsGetting the horse to drink: Improving student information skills
Getting the horse to drink: Improving student information skills
 
Environmental management reporting
Environmental management reportingEnvironmental management reporting
Environmental management reporting
 
Desert destruction and restoration
Desert destruction and restorationDesert destruction and restoration
Desert destruction and restoration
 
Plant production for restoration projects
Plant production for restoration projectsPlant production for restoration projects
Plant production for restoration projects
 
Planting and plant protection
Planting and plant protectionPlanting and plant protection
Planting and plant protection
 
Site assessment for restoration planning
Site assessment for restoration planningSite assessment for restoration planning
Site assessment for restoration planning
 
Sistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riego
Sistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riegoSistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riego
Sistemas alternativos (eficientes) de riego
 
Light shelves for daylighting 2013
Light shelves for daylighting 2013Light shelves for daylighting 2013
Light shelves for daylighting 2013
 
Straw bale building
Straw bale buildingStraw bale building
Straw bale building
 
Ecocomposites: Lessons from History
Ecocomposites: Lessons from HistoryEcocomposites: Lessons from History
Ecocomposites: Lessons from History
 
Passive solar history
Passive solar historyPassive solar history
Passive solar history
 
Introduction to sustainable management 2008
Introduction to sustainable management 2008Introduction to sustainable management 2008
Introduction to sustainable management 2008
 
Mesquite as a Keystone Species in the Southwest
Mesquite as a Keystone Species in the SouthwestMesquite as a Keystone Species in the Southwest
Mesquite as a Keystone Species in the Southwest
 
Remote site irrigation
Remote site irrigationRemote site irrigation
Remote site irrigation
 
More efficient irrigation systems
More efficient irrigation systemsMore efficient irrigation systems
More efficient irrigation systems
 
Introduction to desert ecology and restoration
Introduction to desert ecology and restorationIntroduction to desert ecology and restoration
Introduction to desert ecology and restoration
 
Deep Roots Matter
Deep Roots MatterDeep Roots Matter
Deep Roots Matter
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?
How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?
How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?EvergladesFarm
 
How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?
How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?
How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?Bluebird Solar Pvt. Ltd.
 
Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...
Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...
Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...Amil baba
 
Third OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdf
Third OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdfThird OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdf
Third OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdfOECD Environment
 
Narrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docx
Narrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docxNarrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docx
Narrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docxJeneroseBaldoza
 
EC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slides
EC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slidesEC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slides
EC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slidesweADAPT
 
The Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - Epcon
The Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - EpconThe Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - Epcon
The Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - EpconEpconLP
 
Pathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulation
Pathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulationPathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulation
Pathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulationCIFOR-ICRAF
 
Green Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdf
Green Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdfGreen Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdf
Green Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdfOECD Environment
 
4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx
4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx
4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docxJeneroseBaldoza
 
Monitoring songbirds' online market
Monitoring songbirds' online market Monitoring songbirds' online market
Monitoring songbirds' online market CIFOR-ICRAF
 
Capacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainability
Capacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainabilityCapacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainability
Capacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainabilityCIFOR-ICRAF
 
Item 2. a Update from the Secretariat
Item 2. a Update from the SecretariatItem 2. a Update from the Secretariat
Item 2. a Update from the SecretariatOECD Environment
 
Supporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free Coffee
Supporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free CoffeeSupporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free Coffee
Supporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free CoffeeCIFOR-ICRAF
 
Ecosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdf
Ecosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdfEcosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdf
Ecosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdfMUKUL GAUR
 
PBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptx
PBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptxPBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptx
PBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptxjabernethy
 
Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26
Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26
Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26OECD Environment
 
Green Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in Amsterdam
Green Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in AmsterdamGreen Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in Amsterdam
Green Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in AmsterdamDIGITALCONFEX
 
Purva Tranquillity best living place in East Bangalore
Purva Tranquillity best living place in East BangalorePurva Tranquillity best living place in East Bangalore
Purva Tranquillity best living place in East BangaloreNikki Harris
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)

How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?
How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?
How Long Does It Take Jackfruit To Bear Fruit?
 
How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?
How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?
How do TOPCon Solar Cells/Solar Panel Work?
 
Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...
Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...
Best-NO1 Best Black Magic Specialist Near Me Spiritual Healer Powerful Love S...
 
Third OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdf
Third OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdfThird OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdf
Third OECD-DOE Workshop Photo slide show.pdf
 
Narrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docx
Narrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docxNarrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docx
Narrative Report on 3rd NNational Simultaneous Earthquake Drill2023.docx
 
EC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slides
EC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slidesEC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slides
EC-funded Projects and CAPs Webinar slides
 
The Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - Epcon
The Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - EpconThe Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - Epcon
The Dark Cloud of Global Air Pollution - Epcon
 
Pathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulation
Pathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulationPathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulation
Pathways to sustainable trade and system dynamic simulation
 
Green Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdf
Green Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdfGreen Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdf
Green Giraffe Advisory: Offshore wind market today.pdf
 
4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx
4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx
4th Earthquake Drill Narraative Report.docx
 
Monitoring songbirds' online market
Monitoring songbirds' online market Monitoring songbirds' online market
Monitoring songbirds' online market
 
Capacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainability
Capacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainabilityCapacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainability
Capacity Building in oil palm trade and sustainability
 
International Day of Forests 2024
International Day of Forests 2024International Day of Forests 2024
International Day of Forests 2024
 
Item 2. a Update from the Secretariat
Item 2. a Update from the SecretariatItem 2. a Update from the Secretariat
Item 2. a Update from the Secretariat
 
Supporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free Coffee
Supporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free CoffeeSupporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free Coffee
Supporting Farmer Transition to Produce Deforestation-Free Coffee
 
Ecosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdf
Ecosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdfEcosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdf
Ecosystem and their types ||Environmental Science||.pdf
 
PBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptx
PBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptxPBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptx
PBL Endangered and Vulnerable Species- Presentation.pptx
 
Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26
Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26
Item 3. Developing EPOC’s PWB related to mitigation for 2025-26
 
Green Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in Amsterdam
Green Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in AmsterdamGreen Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in Amsterdam
Green Horizons: Ecotourism Conference 2024 in Amsterdam
 
Purva Tranquillity best living place in East Bangalore
Purva Tranquillity best living place in East BangalorePurva Tranquillity best living place in East Bangalore
Purva Tranquillity best living place in East Bangalore
 

Sustainable? agriculture and water in California

  • 1. 1 Sustainable (?) agriculture and water in California David A. Bainbridge 2002
  • 2. 2 What does sustainable mean? It depends who you ask To many, including me, it means the ability to persist for a long time
  • 4. 4 Several thousand years old California’s Bristlecone Pines and the creosote bushes of the Mojave desert are examples of ecological sustainability - with young seedlings beneath the patriarchs
  • 5. 5 Zorastrianism 2700 years young is a sustainable religious group The American Amish offer an example of a sustainable cultural/religious group (300 years). With the highest retention ever today (~90%)
  • 6. 6 With that as background let us consider water and agriculture in California Abandoned farm land Owen’s Valley, California
  • 7. 7 The ecological question: Is agriculture as currently practiced sustainable in California? In many areas it is not Water use exceeds supply, drainage problems, salinity buildup, pollution from biocides The existing water supply system has severely damaged California’s native ecosystems, degraded virtually every stream and river, destroyed the once massive salmon runs, and threatens many more A half-million acres are expected to fall out of farming in the next ten years due to lack of water
  • 8. 8 The cultural question: Is agriculture economically sustainable in California? Many farms survive thanks to direct farm program payments, and more commonly from subsidized water and power (often at 10% of true cost), subsidized drainage, minimal pollution control, largely uncontrolled damage to ecosystems and species biodiversity, and destruction of valuable services once provided by Nature (flood control, pollution cleanup, oxygen, recreation, fish, etc.)
  • 9. 9 An example: rice production in California Several hundred thousand acres of rice are grown, using up to 3 acre feet of water per acre Photo: Tom and Sally Myers
  • 10. 10 California grew rice worth $485 million (1999-2000) with $480 million in Federal farm payments More than a million acre feet of water with an open market value between $200 and $2000 per AF was used California rice consumed between $200 million and 2 billion dollars worth of water to make $5 million
  • 11. 11 Although many farmers are not willing to concede the point, most low value crops are on their way out Even high value crops like avocados can’t compete with urban water buyers - who currently spend more than $1 million dollars an acre foot for bottled water. Recent open market water sales have been up to $1850 AF in the Southwest $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ Water flows uphill to money! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$
  • 12. 12 Can politics save the farmers? The farm lobby is powerful, well- organized and has often been successful in defending illogical, expensive and environmentally damaging policies and programs They will resist and slow the change - but the pressure is too great
  • 13. 13 Agriculture in much of California is ephemeral- not sustainable It has always been so - the once profitable farms of Vermont and New Hampshire have vanished into history. These states are considering subsidies to keep a few fields open and mowed for scenic values A study of the European Union showed that half of the farmland would fall out of production if subsidies and supports were removed
  • 14. 14 If subsidies and support payments were removed much farmland would fall out of production Political pressure and special interest lobbying will slow down the process, but farmland abandonment will recreate the environmental and cultural problems of the Owens Valley and Antelope Valley on a massive scale in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys It will also create opportunities for environmental restoration and recreation of valuable native habitats - including the almost vanished California grasslands, mesquite bosques and wetlands
  • 15. 15 The challenges ahead! 1. Create fair, visible and free markets for water (overcoming water rights problems, political shenanigans, and special interests) We do not really have a water supply problem: we have a water allocation problem Making water cost visible should include water meters in the living room or kitchen of every home built from now on
  • 16. 16 2. Develop true cost accounting for water (it is often considered a free good - with charges only for delivery). San Diego has among the highest costs $1686 acre foot The value of Nature’ Services must be considered True cost accounting will drive efficiency improvement -- often dramatically When reporting about water and agriculture - follow the money
  • 17. 17 3. Pay for the Colorado River water we have taken from Mexico, typically 10 -12 million acre feet a year with a value of perhaps 2 billion dollars Payments could be earmarked for pollution control, water conservation, water harvesting, improved farm water use efficiency and building recycling and desalinization plants
  • 18. 18 4. Optimize water use on farms. Explore new high value crops, halophytes (salt tolerant plants), improved irrigation efficiency and use of reclaimed water 5. Refine super-efficient systems. My trials included growing trees with 1 liter of water a month using deep pipe, wick, and porous tubes.
  • 19. 19 6. Promote water harvesting and stormwater capture for urban area agriculture and landscaping 7. Support rainwater harvesting on commercial and residential property Brad Lancaster’s tanks
  • 20. 20 8. Higher prices will encourage dramatic efficiency improvements (up to 90%) and will encourage more environmentally appropriate landscaping If the Native Americans had conquered England would they graze buffalo on the lawns of Buckingham Palace? Raise saguaro cactus?
  • 21. 21 Our use of lawns in San Diego is equally inappropriate
  • 22. 22 9. Develop reclamation plans and programs before land is abandoned and irrigation systems are dismantled. Fallowed land in arid areas does not recover quickly - it may take a thousand years without intervention 10. Develop retraining and relocation programs to assist both farmers and farm workers adjust to new realities
  • 23. 23 11. Provide effective and continued support for water allocations to Nature to protect biodiversity, support ecological services and to protect future generation’s options and opportunities 10. Protect taxpayers and water users from more outrageous water payment schemes - where water is sold to the farmer and then resold to cities at cost multiples (or tie water profits to land restoration)
  • 24. 24 12. Provide meaningful and accurate information on water supply, use, cost and efficiency improvement in schools and colleges with demonstrations regionally or in every community. The Casa del Agua in Tucson is an excellent example.
  • 25. 25 What will Global Change bring? Hotter and drier is not a comforting trend! What else? • Increased fungal pests! • Increased pressure from alien pest species • Increased migration pressure
  • 26. 26 A Turkish proverb • Millions of men have lived without love - none have lived without water