Farmers share concerns with Ducey
Ag roundtable topics: proposed water transfer, broadband
A water transfer request and the availability of broadband were on the minds of Yuma farmers when they met with Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday.
The governor said he wanted to touch base with local farmers and ask about their concerns during an agricultural roundtable held at the Yuma International Airport.
Wade Noble, an attorney who represents irrigation districts in the area, shared concerns about a request to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation by GSC Farm LLC. The company, a subsidiary of Greenstone, wants to transfer 2,083 acre-feet of its Arizona fourth-priority Colorado River water from 485 acres of farmland located within the Cibola
Valley in La Paz County to the Town of Queen Creek.
Local officials and farmers worry that if the water transfer is approved, it would set a precedent that would threaten Yuma’s water supply. Greenstone also owns thousands of acres in Yuma County.
Noble noted that if approved, the water transfer would “open the gate to taking agriculture water.” He believes other entities would be willing to pay “tremendous sums” for
water transfers, not only to Maricopa County but outside the state, such as Las Vegas, Nevada.
It would be really difficult for any farmer to say no when offered huge sums of money, Noble said. The farmers noted that they have identified five alternatives for water that Queen Creek could use, including securing tribal water that is available for lease.
They pointed out that the final decision lies with the Secretary of the Interior, who has never failed to act on a decision of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Noble pleaded with the governor that he convey their concerns if the request reaches his desk or he has the opportunity to discuss the issue.
Ducey asked if such a water transfer is legal. “Whether it’s legal is a great question because it hasn’t been tested,” Noble replied.
Ducey noted that sometimes the decisions made by courts “don’t make sense” and that he worries about Arizona’’s “most vital assets” leaving the state.
Another question, noted Phil Townsend of the Agriculture Chemical Association, is who owns the water. Greenstone argues that the water stays with the land, but the agriculture industry believes the Bureau of Reclamation owns the water that is contracted for use by farmers and other users.
“I share your concern on this,” Ducey said. He requested that all the facts on the case be sent to him. Noble noted that the comment period closes on Dec. 16.
BROADBAND: FARMERS URGE DUCEY TO ‘STAY ON IT’
The farmers noted that the availability of broadband in Yuma County has improved significantly, however, they urged the governor to “stay on it” because as farmers become more reliant on technology, broadband becomes more indispensable to their work.
Ducey called broadband “the great equalizer,” much like electricity was in times past, and acknowledged that Maricopa and Pima counties are doing well with it but rural counties need the help now.
Mark Smith of the Western Growers Association pointed out that broadband used to be a luxury, now it’s critical. It needs to be available to everyone, he said.
Townsend noted that Verizon and Spectrum have stepped up, but CenturyLink has not. “We just have to keep them on that path,” Smith said, adding that Yuma has pent up demand for the technology and still has a ways to go before the supply reaches demand.
CR Waters, chairman of the Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety Committee, also expressed concerns with lengthy turnaround times for the results of random testing of perishables at coolers by the Food and Drug Administration. After waiting too long, they end up dumping their product even if at the end it does not test positive for disease or bacteria. Waters said
they need “a lot more cooperation” from the federal agency.
Waters pointed out that the nation has had 31 outbreaks involving leafy greens but only one has come from Yuma, yet “Yuma is on the bullseyes, and it shouldn’t be.”
Ducey noted that his office has a good relationship with the federal administration and he would be happy to help.
Rep. Tim Dunn, who is both a Yuma farmer and a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, thanked Ducey for supporting Yuma farmers. Ducey noted that it was “easy” for him to do so.
“You really have representatives at the state Legislature that have Yuma’s interest at heart,” the governor said.
Ducey added that he frequently brags about the importance of Yuma’s agriculture industry to the nation.
“It’s a unique community. People around the country don’t know what you do,” the governor said. “It’s a special way of life here that needs to be protected.”