{"id":23234,"date":"2026-07-31T15:18:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:18:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=23234"},"modified":"2026-07-31T15:18:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:18:21","slug":"californias-tightening-groundwater-rules-put-small-farmers-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=23234","title":{"rendered":"California&#8217;s tightening groundwater rules put small farmers at risk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-element=\"story-body\" data-dateline=\"\" data-subscriber-content=\"\">\n<p><span class=\"dateline\">MERCED, Calif.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/span>Last year, Rosie Lee\u2019s 19-acre farm was filled with crops including corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, melons, onions and bok choy \u2014 so much that she and her husband had plenty to sell at a farmers market.<\/p>\n<p>Now, she is leaving half her land dry and unplanted. She\u2019s uncertain how much water she can afford to pump from her well this year because the local groundwater agency has imposed pumping restrictions and fees, which could end up costing thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b4d5359\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f74929d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4dacf03\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/03ac394\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/fb1c063\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/83056a5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c82a966\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Farmer Rosie Lee holds a flowering vegetable inside one of the greenhouses on her farm.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4af396b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6951488\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/eb78e5a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/dd7ab07\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b78642b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a43e0de\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/307932b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ffcaef3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9d%2Fec%2Ff2e7eba54d2a899acede884b48bd%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0011.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Farmer Rosie Lee holds a flowering vegetable inside one of the greenhouses on her farm.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s preventing me from growing what I used to grow,\u201d Lee said as she stood beside a bare-dirt field. \u201cWe\u2019re afraid that we do not make enough to pay for the water.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While California\u2019s landmark groundwater conservation law was designed to rein in massive agricultural overpumping, Lee and other small-scale growers say its implementation is doing the opposite \u2014 penalizing small farms while favoring industrial agribusinesses. <\/p>\n<p>According to a new report, rigid fee structures and complex regulations threaten to harm California\u2019s smallest growers, driving land consolidation in favor of deep-pocketed corporate orchards.<\/p>\n<p>The report by the University of California Small Farms Network and the nonprofit group Community Alliance with Family Farmers warns that without immediate action by state and local agencies, many family farms could be forced out of business.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSmall-scale farmers across California are navigating an increasingly difficult environment,\u201d researchers say in <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/caff.org\/sgma-small-farms\/\" target=\"_blank\">the report<\/a>. \u201cThey are among the state\u2019s most vulnerable groundwater users and have fewer pathways to adapt and less capacity to absorb new costs.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c12bcbe\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/320x207!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8289c90\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/568x368!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ccae6c3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/768x497!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f5fd279\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/1080x699!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a839f34\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/1240x803!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/927dc0c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/1440x932!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6b0325f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/2160x1399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Rosie Lee stands on a dry field at her 19-acre farm near Merced, Calif.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2414363\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/320x207!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/107c64f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/568x368!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/98a283c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/768x497!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4737dce\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/1080x699!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5fcae4e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/1240x803!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bc47be9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/1440x932!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9ea6da8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/2160x1399!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1295\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c12a0a3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2913+0+0\/resize\/2000x1295!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F29%2F0a%2Ff131e40a4e27aab386ed6d5b7df5%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0036.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Rosie Lee stands on a dry field at her 19-acre farm near Merced, Calif. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Special accommodations should be made for those farming less than 200 acres, who often have limited resources compared to larger growers, the researchers said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe issue is that agencies are using a one-size-fits-all method to impose regulations, but small farms are using less water compared to larger farms,\u201d said Ngodoo Atume, a co-author and researcher for the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/ucanr.edu\/program\/uc-small-farms-network\" target=\"_blank\"><u>UC<\/u><u> Small Farms Network<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c45d4fe\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/320x210!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/178a96e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/568x372!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/8183a30\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/768x503!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/140bc8c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/1080x708!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9bfa5f8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/1240x813!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/df5320b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/1440x944!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ffd1744\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/2160x1416!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Tomatoes hang on a vine.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/0c48fb4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/320x210!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/20685fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/568x372!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a2d7ff0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/768x503!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e184cf3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/1080x708!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/498e3b5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/1240x813!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/448ffbf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/1440x944!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/82df986\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/2160x1416!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1311\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/95cc123\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2949+0+0\/resize\/2000x1311!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F58%2Fbea0cbc2449388b80b5d272bf87b%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0006.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Lee and her family grow tomatoes along with more than 20 kinds of fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>The researchers suggested each local groundwater agency identify the smaller farmers, consider exempting those that use minimal water and set fees in a tiered system that allows growers who pump less to pay less.<\/p>\n<p>In many areas of the San Joaquin Valley, water agencies have adopted flat fees, so the largest landowners are paying the same per-volume rate as the smallest ones.<\/p>\n<p>However, small growers often have shallower wells that are more vulnerable to going dry when water levels drop. Pumping restrictions can also be more difficult for a grower with 20 acres than for a big business operating on thousands of acres.<\/p>\n<p>Co-author Catherine Van Dyke, director of water policy for the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/caff.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Community Alliance with Family Farmers<\/a>, said with the way the law is being implemented now, it \u201ccould be the final straw for a lot of businesses that are already struggling.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>California\u2019s <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2024-09-17\/despite-california-groundwater-law-challenges-remain\"><u>Sustainable Groundwater Management Act<\/u><\/a>, or SGMA, was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014, and was intended to address <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2025-09-03\/global-drying-groundwater-depletion\">rapid aquifer depletion<\/a> in the Central Valley, where overpumping for agriculture has caused <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2024-11-25\/study-finds-land-sinking-at-record-pace-in-san-joaquin-valley\">land to sink<\/a> and <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2023-04-18\/many-californians-with-dry-wells-face-long-wait-for-fixes\">wells to go dry<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>The legislation led to the formation of local agencies that are responsible for halting chronic declines in groundwater levels, including by imposing pumping limits and fees. While the law has given many areas until 2040 to address overpumping, some local agencies have started clamping down. <\/p>\n<p>Last year, Lee got an unexpected invoice from the Merced Irrigation-Urban Groundwater Sustainability Agency. It detailed \u201cpenalties for overextraction\u201d and listed an amount of $15,335. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt just gave me a real shock,\u201d she said, \u201calmost like a heart attack.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6048399\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e811b51\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2b04c28\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3e8f49f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7f56a01\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1a24aa9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ffdcb55\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Rosie Lee and Charlie Moua stand in a field.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/86bd827\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/674ce85\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9078403\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1efacf3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ebf9221\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5b4cbab\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b43ff59\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c9c7a5a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb6%2F26%2F125b90284817abfbb0c3b08e5a4f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0018.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Rosie Lee and her husband, Charlie Moua, show an invoice warning them that they could owe about $15,000 in penalty fees based on how much water their farm has been using. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Lee learned the agency hadn\u2019t yet started charging penalty fees, so the invoice was more of a warning than an actual bill.<\/p>\n<p>The new pumping limits and fees are going into effect this year. But she still doesn\u2019t understand exactly how much water her family is allowed to pump, or how much money they might owe when the bill comes.<\/p>\n<p>Not wanting to risk big fines that could wipe out most or all of her earnings, she decided to cut back dramatically and leave nine acres dry.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a5a192e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/320x224!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c9e56f1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/568x398!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f74626d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/768x538!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b2dcdfe\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/1080x756!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/cb8a7d6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/1240x868!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c4c4e8b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/1440x1008!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a2cc43c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/2160x1512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"A water meter.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/aeb6fb8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/320x224!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c2b4551\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/568x398!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/107fd2c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/768x538!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2e0300f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/1080x756!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bdccee9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/1240x868!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ba10058\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/1440x1008!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ee3d934\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/2160x1512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/3975e5b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3149+0+0\/resize\/2000x1400!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb3%2F22%2F2aba77ac428b876487faf8167cb1%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0016.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>A meter measures water flow from the well on Rosie Lee\u2019s family farm. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Just trying to understand the basics of the new rules has been difficult, Lee said. <\/p>\n<p>Even after Lee met with a member of the water agency\u2019s staff to go over her usage details, she came away confused.<\/p>\n<p>Lee and her husband, Charlie Moua, still sell some produce to a local grocery but they have stopped driving their Toyota Tacoma to the Stockton farmers market because they no longer have enough to sell.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/424f81b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/090d7a5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a9fd8e7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c44e089\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/d69abac\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e694eb9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bf542a0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"A woman walks on farmland.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6e478b2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/68f9aae\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/31a37fd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/938dc2b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5576d4e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/773681d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c18dd40\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/81943e8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fee%2Fae54cbf44cec8ced805dd5ca3412%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0029.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Rosie Lee, a Hmong American farmer, walks along rows of vegetables on her farm just outside Merced, Calif.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Moua said he keeps getting calls from customers asking why they aren\u2019t selling vegetables at the market, and he explains that it\u2019s their water problem.<\/p>\n<p>The Hmong American couple hadn\u2019t expected to be in this predicament when they started the farm in 2021 as a retirement project.<\/p>\n<p>Lee, who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Laos in 1980 and worked for years as a preschool teacher, said she loves watching her crops grow and handing them over to customers.<\/p>\n<p>Moua, who arrived as a student in 1973 and worked as a social worker, said he enjoys farmwork to stay active and in shape.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6e9dbdc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/47a7606\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5e49872\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/29acf25\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/af019f3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/bf6dfc5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9015890\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"Drip irrigation lines run across farmland.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/acde77b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4b882b6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a7b92cc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/54ae5d2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e87aa84\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/27bbb3c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c7d58fc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/10f7ac1\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2F1c%2F1ad5e3cf4ba7a0852554b15832fc%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0013.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Rosie Lee and Charlie Moua use drip irrigation lines to conserve water on their vegetable farm.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>They share the farm with relatives, who work the few remaining fields and harvest small amounts of corn, tomatoes, okra and other crops.<\/p>\n<p>Lee said her family, which uses water-saving drip irrigation, should be allowed to pump more to keep the farm going. <\/p>\n<p>She said it\u2019s unfair that her family is charged the same pumping fees as the owners of giant almond and pistachio orchards.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBig farmers, they are millionaires,\u201d she said. \u201cSmall farms, they are just enough to survive, to raise a family.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Farms in the Central Valley, which produce large quantities of nuts, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, have <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2025-09-03\/global-drying-groundwater-depletion\"><u>rapidly depleted groundwater<\/u><\/a> in many areas. <\/p>\n<p>Aquifer levels have continued to drop as corporate farms and investors have planted vast <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2024-03-04\/bankruptcy-hits-california-almond-industry-amid-slump\"><u>almond<\/u><\/a> and <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2023-07-02\/california-pistachio-farmer-flood-ordeal\"><u>pistachio<\/u><\/a> orchards.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, global warming has <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2024-11-07\/climate-change-driving-western-drought\"><u>intensified droughts<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5561275\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f1b39f4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/56b2385\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/42fa503\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/e8a57ae\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9bbac3c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/63f171c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"An aerial view of Rosie Lee's 19-acre farm at sunrise in Merced County.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/73a8b74\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7823037\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/16e3f86\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f51c96c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f2818ba\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2de8b3a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b274b8e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/b48f51c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd1%2F1c%2F1975328540c1abb9918e2777c55c%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0038.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Sunrise illuminates Rosie Lee\u2019s 19-acre farm east of Merced, Calif. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Researchers at the Public Policy Institute have <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ppic.org\/publication\/sgma-ready-crops-as-a-low-water-alternative-to-fallowing\/\" target=\"_blank\"><u>estimated<\/u><\/a> that as much as 900,000 acres of farmland, about 20% of the San Joaquin Valley\u2019s irrigated land, may need to be left dry by 2040, largely because of <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/environment\/story\/2023-02-23\/calls-grow-for-stronger-california-groundwater-regulation\"><u>pumping limits<\/u><\/a> under SGMA.<\/p>\n<p>Under the law, local agencies are responsible for setting rules, which state regulators review.<\/p>\n<p>In Clovis, the local agency hasn\u2019t yet imposed pumping restrictions, but farmer Susie Borneman Silva said she expects limits soon and doesn\u2019t know how it will affect her small almond orchard. She supports becoming more efficient to preserve groundwater, but she\u2019s also concerned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre we going to get enough water to water our trees and stay alive and farm another year?\u201d she said. \u201cWe want to continue farming.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-center-expanded=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/605b37a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/320x209!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/629d38d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/568x370!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/62a076c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/768x501!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/5a0902b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/1080x704!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1f1a273\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/1240x808!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/2a7de6e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/1440x939!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f947d9a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/2160x1408!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"A woman sells fruits and vegetables.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/507f921\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/320x209!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1eac296\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/568x370!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9c12ca2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/768x501!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/ccaa42f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/1080x704!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/277f088\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/1240x808!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/111e404\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/1440x939!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/9a20c63\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/2160x1408!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1304\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/521740d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2933+0+0\/resize\/2000x1304!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa9%2Fe1%2Fddb94fa34e2e9cecd51ef806a2fa%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0035.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>\n<div class=\"figure-content\">\n<p>Kat Sechung sells fruits and vegetables from a farm run by Rosie Lee and her husband, Charlie Moua, in Merced County. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"enhancement\" data-click=\"enhancement\" data-align-right=\"\">\n<figure class=\"figure m-0\"> <picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/269d0c6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/c697ae8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7adbc21\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/11544e6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4d2ebb9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f099408\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/df59d93\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/format\/webp\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\"\/><img class=\"image\" alt=\"A farm stand.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6e7aac6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/320x213!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 320w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f2e11fe\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/568x379!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 568w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/d6684a0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/768x512!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 768w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/6493b64\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1080x720!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 1080w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/a392e55\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1240x826!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 1240w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/988f00d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/1440x960!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 1440w,https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/04d11ba\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2160x1440!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/7def9f6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x3000+0+0\/resize\/2000x1333!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb4%2Fea%2F74cb23af4e4fbd1a4cc0244d9b34%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0033.jpg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>   <\/picture>       <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Farther south in Tulare County, the pumping fees are too high for small farmers, said Tekoah Kadara, associate executive director of the Allensworth Progressive Assn.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEither the state needs to increase penalties on the giants, or they need to offer incentives for communities and small farmers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>In a recent survey, 85% of small farmers told researchers they are concerned about having to shut down their operations because of groundwater regulations, fees or other concerns. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere should be some guarantees of enough water for a smaller farm,\u201d said Judith Redmond, a Yolo County farmer who co-authored the report.<\/p>\n<p>Without such changes, the tightening restrictions could force small farms to shut down and leave more land in the hands of large farms, she said. \u201cIt would be a great loss.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MERCED, Calif.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Last year, Rosie Lee\u2019s 19-acre farm was filled with crops including corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, melons, onions and bok choy \u2014 so much that she and her husband had plenty to sell at a farmers market. Now, she is leaving half her land dry and unplanted. She\u2019s uncertain how much water she can afford&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23235,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/ca-times.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4efa2fe\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4500x2363+0+319\/resize\/1200x630!\/quality\/75\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F30%2Fc8%2F9e8207784d629d4a4a1b20a27c1f%2F1564377-enviro-groundwater-regulation-small-farmers-0004.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23234"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23234\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/23235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}