A lack of water for California's Central Valley citrus growers has provided many difficulties this season. But as bad as things have gotten this year, a prolonged drought could have worse consequences next season.
“A lack of water is really impacting the state's citrus industry quite severely,” said Bob Blakely, directory of industry relations for California Citrus Mutual. “Most citrus in the Central Valley is within the Friant delivery area, and growers in that area are receiving zero water through the Friant system because of water allocated elsewhere.” That's put a severe strain on citrus growers who have had to rely almost exclusively on ground water. With the thick of the season right around the corner, growers will surely miss the water they're not getting this year. But the effects of a prolonged drought could be made even more apparent in the coming years.
“There's a certain number of groves that turn over every year, but that number has been accelerated now,” explained Blakely. “If growers have the option, some of them are reducing their acreage, they're reducing the amount of water in irrigation, and all of this is going to have an impact on the quality and quantity of the crop. It could impact total citrus production for the next five years.” Short term solutions include buying water, for those growers who can do so, but growers simply need more water.
“The lowest price for water is $1,200 an acre-foot, and some growers are stepping up to buy it, and some are saying they can't afford that,” said Blakely. “We'll watch as the situation develops, but any additional water that was hoped for, any possibility of that seems to be slipping away. It's a critical situation.”
For more information:
Bob Blakely
California Citrus Mutual
+1 559 592 3790