The Value of Farmers Serving on Water Districts

The Value of Farmers Serving on Water Districts

Patrick Cavanaugh
Patrick Cavanaugh
William Bourdeau is executive vice-president of Harris farms in Southwest Fresno County. Harris farms is a diversified operation, farming, almonds, pistachios, and vegetable crops. Bourdeau is very busy, but he does take the time to serve on different water district boards.

“I'm the Vice Chairman of the Board of the San Louis Delta Mendota Water Authority. And I’m also a director for Westlands Water District.

Bourdeau explains the major water systems in California. “The Central Valley Project is Federal and the State Water Project is State, and we're supposed to be working together in coordination,” noted Bourdeau.

He said all the water districts and farmers need to do a better job at that. “There was an effort underway to do just that and it was called the voluntary agreements. I'm not sure if that effort is stalled,” he noted. “I'm fairly certain it's stalled, but I hope we all come together and make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone.”

“And I do think having a vibrant domestic food supply capability that requires reliable water supply is critically important to our survival,” noted Bourdeau.

And he has something to say about the COVID virus situation. “I hope that the situation we find ourselves in right now, people realize and recognize the importance of having a vibrant domestic food supply capability, particularly during a pandemic, but just in general, it's a foundational element to any successful society,” Bourdeau explained.

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