YUMA, Ariz. and BIRDS, Calif., March 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A lingering drought in the West has left the fate of the Colorado River uncertain. As a result, agriculture is in jeopardy.

Agricultural water is critical to the Yuma region, the winter lettuce capital of North America. From November to April, 90% of leafy greens and other vegetables in the United States and Canada are grown in the Yuma region.

Yuma’s agricultural industry recently put together a web page and video to explain what happens when the Yuma region is not allocated water from the Colorado River. It enjoys resources such as water, soil, climate, labor and infrastructure that make production possible.

With less water supply to Yuma, less healthy food will be available to consumers. From November to April, the Yuma region produces approximately 170 million servings of lettuce each day.

Generations of farmers have built the most efficient and productive agricultural ecosystem in Yuma, Arizona. Yield per drop (food production per acre-foot of water): Yuma is approximately 75% more efficient than the rest of the Colorado River Basin. Yuma farmers save water by grading their fields, using the exact amount of water needed for each crop, and tracking every gallon of water used. Producers in the Yuma region are constantly looking for ways to be more efficient and feed more people with fewer resources.

“Yuma is about 75% more efficient than the rest of the Colorado Basin. If you cut the water out of Yuma, society gives up more than if you cut it elsewhere…” is an agricultural economist at the University of Arizona. One Dr. George Frisvold said:

About the Yuma County Agricultural Water Coalition: A coalition of five irrigation districts and one water user association in Yuma County, Arizona, one water district that operates and supplies water in Byrd, California. All members have rights to use the Colorado River. For more information, please visit https://agwateryuma.com/.

About Yuma Fresh: The Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association protects, connects and promotes Yuma’s farming community. YumaFresh works to solve problems in the agricultural community, connect people through networking and educational events, and promote the contribution of Yuma Agriculture. For more information, please visit https://yumafreshveg.com/.

Contact: Amy Karboski
Phone: 928-783-9355
Email: 355023@email4pr.com