California Water Fight Expensive for Farmers and Government

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Strawberries growing in California's Salinas Valley

FRESNO, CA – The next civil war in America may be fought by farmers and environmentalists.

As the Central Valley of the Golden State faces another season of limited to no irrigation water, tempers are flaring on both sides of the argument.

Environmentalists argue that the water in California’s rivers and streams is vital to maintaining the life of a fragile ecosystem with many threatened and endangered species.

Farmers on the other hand argue that without water for crops, there will be no economy to support the residents that rely on agriculture for a living, thus forcing families to leave the industry for good.

Lawmakers in the state’s Senate are touting a proposal to buy back some of the water rights currently held by farmers, at a cost of $1.5 billion, but opponents argue the only reason farmers would sell is because the government is regulating them out of business.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)

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