Arizona’s industrial farm operations are not water villains
I was struck with a bitter sense of irony as I read The Republic’s Dec. 6 article, “These 7 industrial farm operations are draining Arizona’s aquifers, and no one knows exactly how much they’re taking.”
For the last several months, we have seen a steady stream of articles lauding business and economic growth in our great state. We celebrate families moving here, California businesses relocating here, and new factories opening and providing jobs across Arizona.
And, against the backdrop of the ongoing trade disputes, we have discussed the importance of free trade and the economic benefits that come from the ability to export Arizona’s goods without barriers.
But in this article, companies who are coming to Arizona, investing in infrastructure, providing jobs and participating in the very international trade that creates wealth are portrayed not as engines of growth and progress, but as pirates coming to steal our natural resources.
Economic development is not always as flashy as a new car factory or a data center opening its doors. While I doubt Willcox or Mohave Valley are in contention to attract the likes of Tesla, Apple or Google, their availability of land, water and climate make them ideal areas for the type of economic activity that produces food and fiber for Arizona and the world.
No different than a more traditional factory or headquarters, farming operations spur new economic growth. Their direct tax revenue and the taxes paid by the employees who fill those jobs will help our rural schools and hospitals.
These farming operations will also spur economic prosperity on a global scale. Arizona’s climate is so unique that more than 200 different commodities can grow in abundance and at a level of quality that allows us to trade these products all over the world.
That trade with other nations brings in new dollars to these local communities that have largely lagged the rest of Arizona in their climb out of the hole left by the Great Recession.
Additionally, much of the agriculture planned has invested thousands upon thousands of dollars in cutting-edge water management technology, maximizing conservation of our natural resources.
At a recent hearing at the state Capitol, one of these companies explained how they’re ensuring their water use would not impact their neighbors and the millions of dollars they plan on investing in water efficiency and even groundwater recharge on their facilities.
In Cochise County, farmers and ranchers invested more than $4 million last year alone in water conservation and air quality measures. Installation of low water-use pivots, land leveling and precision farming are just a few of the conservation measures these farmers implement voluntarily.
It is also important to point out that water must be developed over years of building and investment. Historically, agriculture has led the way in this endeavor.
It was the farmers who pledged their land as collateral to make the Salt River Project a reality. It was farmers who developed the infrastructure in Pinal County that has made the population growth in those communities possible over the years. And it was agriculture that put its allocation of Colorado River water to use when we feared it would be taken by other water-thirsty states.
The seven companies mentioned in the article have invested in these communities. They provide jobs for residents and participate in the world trade that enriches us all.
The agriculture industry will lead the way in increasing food production to meet the demands of a growing world. They should be viewed as partners and welcomed for their investment in our state and contributions to their local economy.