From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, click here.

Letter: Pistachio exporters should pay full cost for scarce water 

Coalition response…Where are the water subsidies that so many people are quick to claim? No subsidies exist for any user receiving water from the State Water Project. In fact, users pay a full contracted amount even in years when they receive less than their contracts call for. Congress decided when the Central Valley Project that the interest applied to construction costs would be waived and that is the only amount that is not charged. Considering the return in billions of dollars of crops produced with this water, it has been a great investment for the American people.

People also need to realize the role that agricultural exports play in our state’s economy. More than $16 billion of farm products are exported each year and that means jobs and tax dollars for California’s economy.