California Farm Water Coalition

California is facing a growing threat from invasive golden mussels, a fast-spreading species that can clog water infrastructure, damage ecosystems, and increase costs for both farms and communities.

After being discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024, water agencies across the state have been forced to invest in costly prevention and treatment efforts to protect water delivery systems and reservoirs. Read more in the Sacramento Bee opinion article, “California must step up to fight the costly golden mussel infestation,” discussing the urgent need for stronger prevention, inspections, and state support to combat the spread of golden mussels: https://amp.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article315757897.html

California must step up to fight the costly golden mussel infestation | Opinion “More could have been done to prevent this invasion, and California must now do everything possible to avoid letting it happen again.”

In California’s southern San Joaquin Valley, the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District is helping recharge groundwater by capturing river water and letting it soak back into the aquifer.

A new study shows efforts like this can reverse water declines, highlighting how smart management helps sustain farms even during drought.

Read more from the article titled "As precious groundwater vanishes, a few in California find ways to bring it back" at this link! https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-03-21/groundwater-recharge

California’s water system has been built over generations to keep farms, communities, and ecosystems thriving, but much of that infrastructure is aging and in need of repair. SB 872 is a critical step toward strengthening the State Water Project, improving Delta levees, and protecting reliable water delivery across the state. Investing in these upgrades helps safeguard farmland, jobs, and the food supply we all depend on.

Learn how this effort supports a more resilient water future for California. Read more from our commentary titled "Protecting California’s water – SB 872" linked here!

https://mavensnotebook.com/2026/03/24/commentary-protecting-californias-water-sb-872/

COMMENTARY: Protecting California’s water – SB 872 By Michelle Paul, California Farm Water Coalition From the moment California’s earliest residents called the vast, fertile soils of California’s Central Valley home, efforts began to solve one of the state’s oldest challenges: harnessing the water. With rainfall and snowpack varying dramatical...

Thank you, CoBank and Farm Credit! 💙

We’re incredibly grateful to CoBank and the California Farm Credit Credit organizations for their generous $100,000 donation through the Sharing Success program in support of our Cultivate California initiative! 🌱💧

This support is crucial in helping us continue our mission to educate consumers about the importance of reliable water supplies that grow our food.

Public education is key to the future of California agriculture, and this partnership shows the amazing things we can accomplish when we work together.

ICYMI - A quick wrap up of our exciting Social Media Influencer Tour in Kern County from early July, we're thrilled to reflect on the incredible journey of sharing California's agriculture story with you all! 🌾🚜

We partnered with a great group of influencers to dive deep into the heart of Kern County's farms and ranches. From touring almond orchards and pistachio groves to witnessing innovative irrigation systems in action, our guests got a firsthand look at the dedication and expertise that go into producing the food on our tables. Did you know that California farmers grow over a third of the nation's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts? It's a massive responsibility, and our tour highlighted just how much thought, science, and care are involved every step of the way.

A special shoutout to everyone who opened their gates and shared their stories—your passion for food and farms shines through! One key takeaway? Water management is at the core of it all. In a state like ours, where every drop counts, farmers employ cutting-edge technology and mindful care in equal measure to use water efficiently to produce the food and fiber everyone relies on while protecting this vital resource.💧🌱 Almond Girl Jenny, Wonderful Halos, Murray Family Farms, Water Association of Kern County, KCWA

Check out some of the posts from our Kern County tour participants at: Jerry James Stone, Peachyyymaddii, and Rustic Joyful Food.

Now streaming on PBS: The Green Desert
Journey to California’s Imperial Valley, where farmers defy the desert to feed the nation. This thought-provoking film unpacks the high-stakes relationship between water, agriculture, and the future of our food supply.

🌿 Watch now on PBS!

https://www.pbs.org/show/the-green-desert/

California's farms and our food supply face a growing threat from invasive golden mussels! These tiny invaders are spreading fast in the Delta and have made their way into the state's water system. They can quickly clog the water systems that bring water to millions of Californians and that irrigate the farms that feed the nation. This could mean reduced crop yields and higher grocery prices for families. Visit our page for the full story and learn more. 🌾💧 https://farmwater.org/farm-water-news/golden-mussels-2025/