Small farms across the state may not be able to comply with groundwater regulations and stay in business, according to a new report analyzing the impact of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on small-scale farms. In the first-ever assessment of small farmer consideration in California groundwater regulations, researchers at the University of California Small Farms Network and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers document the challenges facing small-scale farms with groundwater regulations. The report “Managing Groundwater with Small Farms in Mind: Risks, Barriers and Opportunities in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act” (PDF) warns that farmers need an approach that helps them understand and adapt to the new regulations – while safeguarding their ability to grow food for California consumers.

Other California groundwater news:

• E&E News by Politico: Tribes, enviro groups sue to block Mojave Desert groundwater project
• Abridged – PBS KVIE (Sacramento): Researchers find permanent damage to Sacramento Valley groundwater storage
• UC ANR: Report: Managing groundwater with small farms in mind: risks, barriers, and opportunities of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act