In California, a carrot boycott targets corporate growers
In the Cuyama Valley north of Santa Barbara, lush green fields stretch across the desert. Sprinklers spray thousands of acres to grow a single thirsty crop: carrots. Wells and pumps pull groundwater from as deep as 680 feet, and the aquifer’s levels are dropping. As the valley’s only water source shrinks, a bitter legal battle over water rights has arisen between carrot growers and the community. Residents are fighting back with a campaign urging everyone to stop buying carrots. Along the valley’s roads, in cattle pastures and outside homes and businesses, signs and banners have sprung up declaring “BOYCOTT CARROTS” and “STAND WITH CUYAMA AGAINST CORPORATE GREED.”
Related articles:
- SJV Water: Kaweah groundwater planning still at a “stand off” even with state take-over looming
- Sonoma Valley GSA: Understanding the connection between surface water, groundwater and the environment with Caitlin Cornwall
- DWR News: DWR Partners with Rancho California Water District to support agriculture and groundwater conservation
