Note from the Editor: California Farm water Coalition is a regular contributor to West Coast Nut magazine. Wade’s articles have helped raise awareness of regulatory, storage and legal issues surrounding water in the West and the magazine is proud to be part of the CFWC’s outreach efforts.

This year marks a significant milestone for the California Farm Water Coalition (CFWC) as we celebrate our 35th anniversary. Since its founding in 1989, CFWC has been at the forefront of educating the public about the critical connection between farm water and our food supply, advocating for adequate and sustainable agricultural water supplies and serving as a leader in California’s irrigated agriculture industry.

CFWC’s many accomplishments are the result of strong local support from our members, including irrigation and water districts, agricultural businesses, including farm credit associations and individual growers throughout the state. Telling agriculture’s story is made possible by these industry leaders.

A Legacy of Public Education

CFWC was established with a clear mission: to increase public awareness of agricultural water issues and the importance of a reliable water supply for growers of nuts, fresh fruit, forage, vegetable, nursery and many other crops. Over the past 35 years, we have successfully executed numerous programs and initiatives aimed at educating the public, policymakers and the media on the value food production brings to the state and nation.

The cornerstone of our efforts is our comprehensive outreach and education programs. Public awareness, including highway banners, radio ads, informational handouts at grocery stores and social media campaigns, helps consumers, policymakers and the media make the connection between farm water and our food supply. Building and maintaining strong public support for farming is part of the three-legged stool of public education, legislative advocacy, and litigation.

Programs and Activities

CFWC’s activities are diverse and far-reaching. Educational exhibits include an ongoing 15-year partnership with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity in Sacramento. This world-class science and learning center includes CFWC-sponsored interactive exhibits that educate students and their families about farm water use. Exhibits offer hands-on learning experiences that show the water it takes to produce a nutritional diet, how growers use the latest technology to improve water use efficiency and the importance of water storage and conveyance infrastructure for the state’s 69,600+ farms and ranches, including 2.5 million acres of tree nuts.

Our informative fact sheets like “Sustainability & Imports,” “Sample Daily Menu” and “Where Does Farm Water Go?” further educate the public about the water used to grow our food. Fact sheets highlight sustainability on local farms, the importance of water in producing a balanced diet and the potential risks associated with over-reliance on imported food products. By disseminating clear, concise and fact-based information, CFWC helps the public understand how responsible water management is crucial for maintaining a reliable and secure food supply, ensuring consumers recognize the value of supporting local farms and the resources needed to sustain them.

Media Outreach

CFWC has worked tirelessly from the beginning to correct misinformation about agricultural water use. By publishing opinion pieces and letters-to-the-editor, we address misconceptions and highlight the importance of water for farming in California. These efforts ensure accurate data and real-world perspectives are shared, educating consumers and policymakers about the critical role water plays in food production and the sustainable practices employed by farmers. Engaging in media outreach and public discourse, CFWC helps foster a well-informed community that understands the complexities of agricultural water issues.

Our expanding presence on social media generated tens of millions of online impressions last year and helped us reach millions of individuals, delivering positive, educational and consistent content to consumers across the state. With a robust presence on Facebook, Instagram and X, we’ve engaged a diverse audience, sharing insights about the critical role farm water plays in producing the food we all depend on.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we remain committed to our mission of promoting the importance of farm water for a sustainable food supply. The challenges of water management in agriculture are ever-evolving, particularly in the face of an uncertain climate and increasing demands for resources. With our rich history of education and leadership, CFWC is well-equipped to navigate these challenges and continue making a positive impact far into the future.

For more information about the California Farm Water Coalition and its programs, please visit www.farmwater.org.