USDA Announces Investments in Water Conservation in Western States

USDA announced that it will invest $400 million to support irrigation districts and producers in using innovative water-saving technologies and farming practices while producing water-saving commodities in the face of continued drought.USDA preliminarily selected 18 irrigation districts across western states for the program. Districts may receive up to $15 million each and will enter into sub-agreements with participating producers. Depending on available funding, awards to additional districts may be possible. Producers who participate will receive payments for voluntarily reducing water consumption while maintaining commodity production. The needs of producers will determine the specific strategies for water conservation, including irrigation improvements, shifts in management practices, shifts in cropping systems, and other innovative strategies.