Groundwater recharge: farm groups laud LandFlex grants

State awards $17 million for groundwater sustainability projects.

Photo: Groundwater recharge projects are among those supported by California’s LandFlex program. Todd Fitchette

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Farm groups are praising the implementation of a program in California that helps growers temporarily idle agricultural lands or do groundwater recharge projects to benefit vulnerable domestic wells.

The state Department of Water Resources recently awarded a combined $17 million to three local entities created under the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which is phasing in restrictions on pumping in areas where aquifers are depleted.

The program, called LandFlex, is used to help permanently eliminate groundwater over-pumping on each enrolled acre of land. Part of this is through enabling growers to use their lands for groundwater recharge in lieu of planting crops.

“At the heart of LandFlex’s success is its proven effectiveness in addressing critical water resource challenges,” said Anja Raudabaugh, chief executive officer of Western United Dairies. “Initially designed to combat drought conditions, the program has demonstrated remarkable versatility by also proving its mettle in food protection and identifying active recharge potential.

“This adaptability has positioned LandFlex as an innovative and indispensable tool for growers to meet sustainability goals in both dry and wet periods,” Raudabaugh said.

Aubrey Bettencourt, president and CEO of the Almond Alliance, […]

Full article: www.farmprogress.com