Farmers in California’s agricultural region, which stretches 400 miles from Kern County to Tehama County, strongly supported Donald Trump in the presidential election. However, California as a whole voted for Kamala Harris, and the state’s electoral votes went to her. Despite this, Trump’s win and upcoming presidency could bring both challenges and opportunities for the farming industry.
What Farmers Hope For: Better Water Access
One of Trump’s promises could help farmers: increasing access to water.
- Water Challenges: California has strict water rules that limit how much water farmers can take from rivers to protect fish and wildlife. Even after two wet winters filled reservoirs, farmers are frustrated by the limited water supplies.
- Trump’s Stance: During his first term, Trump ordered federal regulators to provide more water to farmers and criticized California’s water policies. He called them “INSANE POLITICAL DECISIONS” and vowed to prioritize water for farms. He’s likely to push for similar changes again.
Potential Problems: Tariffs and Immigration
While Trump’s water policies might help farmers, two other issues could hurt them: tariffs on China and deporting undocumented workers.
- Tariffs on China:
- What Happened Before: In Trump’s first term, he imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and China retaliated with tariffs on U.S. agricultural products.
- Impact on California Crops: While exports of almonds and pistachios weren’t hurt, sales of wine, oranges, and table grapes to China dropped.
- Deporting Undocumented Workers:
- Farmworker Shortages: Over half of California’s farmworkers are undocumented. Farmers already struggle to find enough workers due to immigration rules, high living costs, and factory jobs in Mexico.
- Trump’s Promise: Trump has pledged to deport undocumented immigrants, which could severely impact the agricultural industry and the state’s economy.
The Big Picture
Farmers in California’s Central Valley supported Trump in hopes of getting more water for their crops. However, his plans for tariffs and immigration crackdowns could create serious challenges for the industry, potentially outweighing the benefits of relaxed water rules. As Trump’s policies take shape, California’s farming sector faces a mix of risks and opportunities.