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 Directorjohnfarner@irrigation.org