An August 8 release from the Irvine, CA, offices of Western Growers praised funding to be provided by the Senate spending bill for drought relief for growers in the Colorado River Basin, including California’s Imperial Valley.
The release noted, “In response to the inclusion of $4 billion in drought-relief funding for the Colorado River Basin in the Senate spending bill, Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:
“We appreciate the determination of Senator Kyrsten Sinema and her colleagues to secure substantial new funding for drought-related priorities in the Colorado River Basin, which supports 5.7 million acres of irrigated agriculture including most of the nation’s winter vegetables as well as other high-value foods such as citrus and melons.
“Not only does the Colorado River supply the water and power needs of nearly 40 million people across the West, but it also sustains the agricultural output of Yuma, Arizona, and California’s Imperial Valley. Without fast and serious federal assistance, a significant portion of the nation’s food supply hangs in the balance.
“Senator Sinema and the other Western members of the Senate who insisted on the inclusion of this relief have our sincere gratitude.”
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Its members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. For more information, contact:
Ann Donahue (949) 302-7600 adonahue@wga.com
