Written by Nicholas Vetrisek
California’s agriculture industry is one of the largest in the world. Millions of people are dependent on it within the state, across the country, and around the world.
In order for the industry to thrive, farmers must have the necessary resources to keep the system afloat. Unfortunately, Governor Gavin Newsom has repeatedly gotten in the way of efforts to help them and has shown himself to be an enemy of California agriculture.
In contrast with President Trump, who has shown himself to be an ally of California’s farmers by signing measures that increased water availability in the valley, Newsom instead chose to obstruct by immediately suing the federal government over the measures. While Trump is attempting to help farmers in the state by giving them much needed resources, Newsom is attempting to stop measures that will immensely benefit his own constituents.
While Governor Newsom may see this action as merely political and a way to “stand up” against Trump while appearing environmentally friendly, his actions will have very serious effects on farmers in California. Tens of millions of people depend on California agriculture and it’s a major sector of the state’s economy. By denying water to farmers he’s weakening the state while endangering the ability of Californians to have access to food.
During a recent trip to Bakersfield, Newsom, in a faux act of sincerity regarding Sacramento’s impact on the region, said that “we ought to own up to that.” It’s now time for him to practice what he preaches by trying to help farmers rather than obstruct positive efforts.
