The Imperial Irrigation District has called for an end to converting agricultural fields into solar panel farms amidst concerns for dwindling farmland in California. Over 13,000 acres of productive land have been converted, prompting a resolution to protect agriculture. The agricultural sector faces challenges from urbanization and declining lands, with over 1.6 million acres lost since 1984. Factors like labor shortages and water supply issues add to the crisis, and new aquifer limits threaten 500,000 acres more. Industry leaders stress the importance of maintaining agriculture's roots in the region's economy and identity.
"More than 13,000 acres of fertile land had already been converted... We are rooted in agriculture... Solar energy has a role in our region's future, but it cannot come at the cost of our farmland."
"The state Department of Conservation says that agricultural lands declined by more than 1.6 million acres... The most productive land experienced the largest decline."
"Urbanization... accounted for most of the decline, but residential development has slowed in recent years, contributing to a chronic housing shortage."
"The Public Policy Institute of California has estimated that the recently imposed limits on tapping underground aquifers to irrigate crops will result in 500,000 acres of farmland being taken out of production."
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