Of the more than five million acres of farmland in California’s Central Valley, four million acres are already irrigated. Approximately 72% of this irrigated area uses pressurized irrigation systems, while the remaining 28% relies on gravity irrigation, consuming vast amounts of water in the process
These aren’t just numbers. They’re a snapshot of the present and a roadmap to the future of agriculture in one of the most productive—and most vulnerable—regions on the planet. In the southern and central parts of the Valley, where annual rainfall ranges from just 150 to 500 millimeters, water isn’t just a resource—it’s a boundary. And also, an opportunity. An opportunity to transform how irrigation is managed in food production. Because yes, even scarcity can become a driver of innovation. And because in the end, it’s simple: water and food are vital. Without them, nothing else moves.
Today, 40% of the irrigated land in the Valley still depends on flood irrigation. It’s a method that served its purpose for decades but no longer aligns with current challenges. It’s inefficient and costly—not just for the farmer, but for the entire community that relies on that water. And perhaps most concerning: many producers remain locked into this system not due to lack of will, but due to lack of access to the capital required to transition.
But change is already taking shape.
A new generation of companies, organizations, and public-private initiatives is proving that it’s possible to reduce water use without compromising productivity. And even more importantly: that this model of water stewardship benefits every actor involved. Every cubic meter of water saved creates value—for the companies financing technology adoption, for the farmers implementing it on their land, and for the communities that depend on water to thrive.
A shift in perspective: water enters the sustainability strategy playbook
Why talk about water stewardship now? Because water sustainability is no longer just an aspirational ideal—it’s a smart strategy, especially in light of recent events in the Central Valley. For years, climate discussions have focused almost exclusively on carbon. But more and more organizations are realizing that water security is just as critical. Including water metrics in ESG frameworks isn’t a passing trend—it’s a necessity. And those who act now won’t just meet future regulations; they’ll be building real competitive advantage.
We don’t have to look far for examples. In Latin America, entire regions are adopting clean technologies with a deeply pragmatic approach: adapt to keep growing. The region has become a living lab for climate innovation that the world is starting to watch closely. And California—with its agricultural power, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and urgent need for change—has everything it needs to lead this new model.
The moment to scale change. So, are we ready to scale this transformation?
Those who still irrigate in traditional and empirical ways represent a reservoir of efficiency, resilience, and positive impact. All we need is the will, investment, and collaboration to unlock that potential.
We are facing a defining decade—one in which water security will shape not just the future of agriculture, but also that of our economies, our communities, and our ecosystems. And the line between simply surviving or actively leading will be drawn by how we use—and how we protect—every drop.
This isn’t just a story about agriculture. It’s a story about food, about water, and about vision. And like every story worth telling, there comes a turning point. The moment when a decision has to be made.
That moment is now.Kili