CA Farmers Likely To Fallow 500,000 Acres Of Central Valley Farmland - Reuters

[hatrack]

Drought-stricken California farmers facing drastic cutbacks in irrigation water are expected to idle some 500,000 acres (200,000 hectares) of cropland this year in a record production loss that could cause billions of dollars in economic damage, industry officials said.

Large-scale crop losses in California, the No. 1 U.S. farm state producing half the nation's fruits and vegetables, would undoubtedly lead to higher consumer prices, especially for tree and vine produce grown only there. But experts say it is too soon to quantify the effect.

Coming off its driest year on record, California is gripped in a drought that threatens to inflict the worst water crisis in state history, prompting Governor Jerry Brown last month to declare a state of emergency. He urged citizens to reduce their water consumption by 20 percent voluntarily.

California water managers later said the drought would force an unprecedented cutoff in state-supplied water sold to 29 irrigation districts, public water agencies and municipalities, barring an unexpected turnaround.

EDIT

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/06/usa-drought-california-idUSL2N0LB00U20140206

[Demeter]

1. Finally! Reality comes to LaLa Land

[DetlefK]

2. As long as Californians have enough water for their frontyard lawns, everything is fine.

[upaloopa]

3. What the hell does that mean?

We are about the only State that deals in reality.
You got a balanced budget where you live?
You got marriage equality where you live?
Did your state increase funding for schools?
Did you pass some reasonable gun laws this year?
Does your state have an all Dem government?

[CRH]

4. What reality means, ...

is without rain and snow, business as usual, cannot be, business as usual. Yes there is some waste, but the agricultural allotments are allotted before the carwash in Los Angeles. The fact is, even with priorities, water is damn short. Conservation has its limits. It is easy to 'LaLa', but the music falls flat, when the reality is no rain or snow. Lifestyles are lifestyles, and no doubt they can be trimmed, but climate change of itself should not be distracted from, by prejudice borne of ignorance.

[NickB79]

5. The local Menards has a sale on greenhouses and veg. seeds right now

It's 9F outside right now, and I already have an older greenhouse to extend my growing season, but fuck it, I'm going shopping.

Fresh, organic veggies are going to be worth their weight in gold in a few months.

[CRH]

6. Don't forget to recycle your grey water, good luck, n.t

[hunter]

7. Farm labor will be hurt the most.

The wealthy will be just fine and their golf courses will still be green.

[Demeter]

8. Then the 99% will know who to hunt down, won't they?

Conspicuous consumption will go out of fashion, for good.