In the heart of California, a battle for water sustainability is underway, and the stakes are high for farmers, communities, and the energy sector alike. A recent study published in *Frontiers in Water* (translated to English as *Frontiers in Water*) offers a beacon of hope, outlining a strategic approach to repurposing cropland that could transform the state’s water management landscape.
Led by Angel Santiago Fernandez-Bou of the Western States Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, the research delves into the critical need to reduce irrigated agriculture by approximately half a million hectares to comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. The act, enacted over a decade ago, aims to prevent further depletion of California’s chronically overused aquifers, which have led to household water insecurity, ecological degradation, and economic strain on small and medium farmers.
The study emphasizes that leaving cropland retirement to market forces alone could exacerbate social and economic disparities. However, when managed collaboratively, cropland repurposing can diversify regional economies, generate local socioeconomic opportunities, and improve environmental health. “When cropland repurposing is strategically organized and managed in collaboration among all the involved groups, it can enhance quality of life in agricultural disadvantaged communities, diversify regional economies, generate local socioeconomic opportunities, and improve environmental health while simultaneously fostering food and nutrition security and advancing water sustainability,” Fernandez-Bou explains.
The research introduces a systems-level, coproduced Framework of best practices, informed by peer-reviewed science, first-hand experiences, and extensive public engagement. This Framework includes guiding objectives, best practices, and implementation strategies to address co-occurring challenges. The team behind the study comprises scientists, community leaders, and experts in various fields, ensuring a holistic approach to the issue.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As water becomes scarcer, the energy required for water extraction and treatment increases, leading to higher operational costs and potential supply disruptions. By strategically repurposing cropland, the energy sector can mitigate these risks and contribute to a more sustainable water management system. The study’s Framework could serve as a blueprint for developing new solutions that do not create new problems, fully considering the impacts on all affected groups.
The research also highlights the importance of environmental justice, ensuring that the transition does not disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. By fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, the Framework aims to create a more equitable and sustainable future for California’s agricultural landscapes.
As the state grapples with the realities of climate change and water scarcity, this study offers a roadmap for achieving socioenvironmental and economic benefits. The Framework’s best practices and implementation strategies could shape future developments in sustainable agriculture, water management, and environmental justice, providing a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
In the words of Fernandez-Bou, “Our team includes scientists, community leaders, and other experts in cropland repurposing, socioenvironmental justice, agriculture, climate change, land trusts, disadvantaged communities, energy, nonprofit work, Indigenous knowledge, and ecosystems.” This diverse expertise underscores the comprehensive nature of the study and its potential to drive meaningful change.
As California navigates the complexities of water sustainability, the insights from this research could prove invaluable, offering a pathway to a more resilient and equitable future for all.