IRVINE, CALIF. – In response to the inclusion of $4 billion in drought-relief funding for the Colorado River Basin in the Senate spending bill, Western Growers BB #:144734 President & CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:
“We appreciate the determination of Senator Kyrsten Sinema and her colleagues to secure substantial new funding for drought-related priorities in the Colorado River Basin, which supports 5.7 million acres of irrigated agriculture including most of the nation’s winter vegetables as well as other high-value foods such as citrus and melons.
“Not only does the Colorado River supply the water and power needs of nearly 40 million people across the West, it sustains the agricultural output of Yuma, Arizona and California’s Imperial Valley. Without fast and serious federal assistance, a significant portion of the nation’s food supply hangs in the balance.
“Senator Sinema and the other Western members of the Senate who insisted on inclusion of this relief have our sincere gratitude.”
For more information, please contact:
Ann Donahue
(949) 302-7600
adonahue@wga.com
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.
