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Biden Administration to Invest $400 Million in Western U.S. Farmers for Water Conservation

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In response to the severe drought affecting the Western U.S., the Biden administration has announced a substantial investment aimed at promoting water conservation among farmers. On Thursday, the Department of Agriculture revealed plans to allocate up to $400 million to support water-saving measures in agriculture across 11 states.

The initiative is designed to help farmers reduce their water usage while continuing to produce essential commodities. The department estimates that this effort could conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet of water, equivalent to approximately 16 billion gallons.

Also Read: – New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs $100 Million Recovery Bill for Fire and Flood Relief

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the critical role of agricultural producers in rural communities, noting the challenges they face due to prolonged drought conditions. “We want to scale up the tools available to keep farmers farming, while also voluntarily conserving water and expanding markets for water-saving commodities,” Vilsack said.

Under the program, 18 selected water districts will each receive up to $15 million. These districts will be responsible for working with farmers to implement water-saving technologies, farming practices, and the production of water-efficient crops.

Also Read – Unsafe Drinking Water in New Mexico: A Deepening Crisis

The water districts chosen for this initiative include areas in Idaho, Utah, Oregon, California, Washington state, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Montana, Colorado, and Nevada.

The Western U.S. has faced significant water shortages due to a combination of factors, including a historic drought and the over-allocation of water resources from the Colorado River. These challenges have been further intensified by the cultivation of water-intensive crops like alfalfa (hay) and the impacts of climate change.

Also Read- New D-SNAP Support for 25,000 Households Affected by Disasters in Northern New Mexico

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