Summer 2022 - 16

WATER
More Washington growers are transitioning to drip
irrigation and implementing other practices, including
canopies to limit sunburn on apples, ultimately reducing
water demand.
" There are steps being taken, but, at the same time, there's
over the long term an increase in acres of winegrapes and
tree fruit, " Bond said. " In some ways, that conservation is
going on, but there's also more acreage going in. "
California is long known for having some of the strictest
business regulations of any state. Merkley sees the main
lesson growers in other states can take from California's
situation is " don't do the same stupid stuff they're doing
here, to be very blunt about it, " he said.
Oregon and California aren't too dissimilar in strict water
regulations, said Chin. Oregon is also tough and restricts
drilling of new wells.
Southern Oregon and Northern California growers
invested much in conserving and using water more
efficiently.
" We have tried to get away from flood irrigation with the
use of a lot of water, which has helped a lot, " Chin said. " We
have had programs to help us get more efficient with the
amount of water put on. But when you don't get any water,
it's tough to make a living. "
Crop sprinklers near Rio Vista, California, in the SacramentoSan
Joaquin Delta region. The Delta is the hub of the State's
water distribution system. Water shortages from drought, farm
ponds drying up and extreme summer heat are producing water
deficits that challenge growers.
So tough that earlier this year, Chin closed his 92-year-old
family business by selling his land and packing equipment.
Conservation efforts can only go so far.
" We cannot conserve or efficiency ourselves out of this
problem, " Merkley said. " We need to change the way our
water capture and delivery system works. "
BAUER
ORGANIC
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ORGANIC
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16
SUMMER 2022
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Summer 2022

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