John Duarte Discusses California Water, Agriculture and Policy

California agriculture faces a long list of challenges, and few are more important than water. On the latest AgNet News Hour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni sits down with John Duarte of Duarte Nurseries for a wide-ranging conversation about California water, agriculture, rural communities, environmental policy, farmland and the future of the state’s farming industry.

Duarte and Papagni begin with the recent water forum hosted by Congressman Tom McClintock in Turlock, where federal and agricultural leaders discussed ways to improve California’s water supply. Duarte highlights efforts to broaden the Army Corps of Engineers’ focus beyond flood control to include water supply, along with proposals involving Delta dredging and better coordination among state and federal agencies.

The conversation also examines water quality concerns in Central Valley communities. Duarte argues that limited surface-water deliveries have increased reliance on groundwater in some areas and raises concerns about contaminants and health issues affecting vulnerable communities. He says California needs a strategy that provides abundant surface water for both farms and communities.

Another major topic is Proposition 1 and California’s investment in water infrastructure. Duarte questions how water-bond funding has been utilized and argues that more resources should be directed toward projects providing water for human, agricultural and industrial needs.

The discussion then turns to farmland and agricultural education. Duarte and Papagni discuss concerns surrounding proposed development involving farmland at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, emphasizing the educational value of university farm properties. Duarte shares how his family and Duarte Nurseries have supported school agriculture programs by providing plants and other resources for educational farms.

The interview also explores the future of California agriculture under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Duarte argues that groundwater regulations must be considered alongside reliable surface-water deliveries and says California has existing plans, infrastructure and financial resources that could be used to expand water supplies.

Duarte also discusses his work with the California Water Alliance, including its upcoming October 1, 2026 water forum. According to Duarte, the event will examine California water abundance, Central Valley health concerns, SGMA, farming and the broader economic effects of water policy.

Throughout the interview, Duarte offers his perspectives on California’s environmental regulations, natural-resource policies and political direction, while Papagni connects those issues to the challenges facing farmers, rural communities and California’s food-production system.

There is much more to this conversation than can fit into a short recap. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast featuring “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and John Duarte for the complete discussion, California agriculture news, water issues and Duarte’s perspective on what comes next for the state.

For additional information and more interviews, visit AgNetWest.com and follow AgNet West on Facebook, Instagram and X. Listeners can also subscribe to the AgNet West podcast through their preferred podcast app. Duarte also invited those interested in the California Water Alliance forum to get involved and attend the October 1 event.

Listen to Part 1 of John Duarte’s interview below or on your favorite podcast app.