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Smart Practices. Sustainable Solutions.
Lending a Hand: Ecosystem Services and Water Resources
A Government Policy Perspective
Irrigation Association
MISSION: Promote efficient irrigation
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES: EducationCertificationStandards and CodesGovernment and Public Affairs
FOCUS: Agriculture, Turf, Landscape, Golf Irrigation
Regulating Factors – Great Divides
Land Use / Water ResourcesEast / West
Water Systems / Ecosystems
Federal / State
Water Quantity / Water Quality
Looking Ahead…Landscape Sustainability
Marketplace is moving irrigation and landscape industry to be more sustainable.
• Focus on water efficiency conservation• Landscape with fewer inputs necessary maintenance, chemicals, water
Reducing/eliminating use of potable water for landscape irrigation.
More sophisticated (smarter) irrigation systems use of technology and management
Plant choice/palate installed in the landscape
Insert government action and involvement…HERE…
Agricultural Irrigation
Accounts for 70% of freshwater withdrawals.
Today: Approximately 7 billion people on the planet2050: Approximately 9 billion people on the planet
We are balancing a global “human right to water” in the context of the right to a sustainable food supply.
In 2050 70 percent more food will be needed – translates to up to 100% more food in developing nations.
Irrigated Agriculture in the United States
“Approximately 57 million acres of U.S. cropland are irrigated; farmers use pressure irrigation systems on about 40 percent of these acres.” (USDA 2011)
“Potential exists to improve irrigation water use while sustaining yields in every basin. Conservation applied on all irrigated cropland could provide nationwide improvement.” (USDA 2011)
The NexusWater uses energy
Energy uses water
Agriculture needs both
Modern society needs all three
Role of the Government
Executive Order 13514All Federal agencies shall increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases and conserve and protect water resources.
• 41 million acres of land• 429,000 federal buildings• References WaterSense
Council on Environmental Quality and the Government Services Administration are promulgating rules (practices) to achieve the goals set forth in the EO, specific to landscapes.
Leading to a defacto standard for others to mimic.
People Products Sites
EPA is driving a national discussion on the future and role of landscapes and irrigation – focusing on efficiency.
Working in and outside of the government to enhance the market for water-efficient products and practices.
Non-Regulatory Opinion Leader
Top trends through the states
Landscape plant palate and design:
1.Affects both water quality and water quantity (seeing it in the east and west)
Seen as a solution and as a problem
2.Turfgrass – more than just water use
Water restrictions:
1.Role of efficiency before/during restrictions
2.Household water-use limitations
Top trends through the states (cont.)
Licensing:
1.Promotes consumer protection (primary)
2.Promotes industry knowledge
Scope of Practice:
1.Finding a balance between where plumbing ends and irrigation begins
2.Same with landscape architects and irrigation professionals…
Realities1) Policymakers’ involvement in the landscape irrigation
industry will increase, not decrease
2) Landscape water use will be reduced (mandated)
3) Potable water will not be the main source for irrigation water
4) Landscapes will not look the same 10 years from know as they do today
5) Our industry needs to partner with governments and other stakeholders to form sustainable solutions
Agriculture1) Farm Bill
2) Environmental Protection Agency Regulations
3) Buy and Dry
4) Infrastructure Investment (storage and conveyance)
5) Climate Change (floods, droughts, regulations)
6) Our industry needs to partner with governments and other stakeholders to form and promote sustainable solutions
OpportunitiesChallenges in our industry creates opportunities.
1)Greater need for efficient products and professionals services
2)More sophisticated irrigation designs, products, machines and installations will be required
3)Partnerships formed today will be long lasting – providing positive results
4)Current focus is driving discussion and education about irrigation inside and outside of our water world…
John FarnerIrrigation Association
Government Affairs [email protected]