SSA could not be possible without the generous support of Drs. Herbert A. and Betty Lou Lubs and the Science, Society, and the Arts Research Conference Endowment. We are deeply grateful!
Over half of all produce sold nationwide is grown in California. In recent years, California has been experiencing one of the longest lasting droughts in its history. Residents have been hit with water restrictions and high water costs to compensate of the lack of the valuable commodity. With threats of financial penalties, residents have surpassed Governor Brown's water reduction expectation. Farmers have not been held to the same restrictions. In many situations, farmers have been asked to conserve water based on their ethical desire to do so. Typically, in business this does not work. I will look at the effects of drought on the cost of water and the cost of produce. Lastly, I will analyze different forms of agricultural water management and approximate the feasibility of such changes.
