There is always one key component that people point out when you tell them that you are from the Central Valley and that always has to do with agriculture. “Do you live on a farm?” or questions of that nature (pun intended) often arise when non-Valley residents initially think of our region. In the California Agricultural Statistics Review of 2016-2017, it was reported that 8 of the top 10 agriculture producing counties in California are within SJVCEO territory- Kern (1), Tulare (2), Fresno (3), Monterey (4), Merced (5), Stanislaus (6), San Joaquin (7), and Kings (10). Now this is not a surprise to us who have a close relationship with the land we occupy, we understand the importance of the ag sector in our region. However, the growth of clean energy education and implementation in the agriculture industry is flourishing.
In 2018, Energy Central reported that “the agriculture industry is facing complex challenges as demand for food grows along with the population, and a changing climate threatens the environment farming depends on. Increased energy efficiency may be key to meeting these challenges.” The Valley (as seen above) includes some of the highest producing counties in the nation, which means we will be greatly affected by the challenges ahead. Prioritizing energy efficiency will not only lead to increased monetary savings and decreased GHG emissions, but it will enhance the collaboration between farmers and energy experts. Now, we can talk about all the ways EE can better every industry, but we want to narrow in on the opportunity that specifically exists for Central Valley residents regarding climate adaptive careers’ connection to agriculture.
One of the key topics that often arises during conversations about equitable work revolves around compensation. “Experts say the Valley’s reliance on agriculture has a tendency to depress the economy...the average Californian made $59,150 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage for farmworkers was $26,240. A UC Davis study of 2016 pay data says average farmworker salaries were even lower, at $16,142.” We cannot guide individuals into career opportunities like this if their wages are not livable, that is not solving any issues at hand. Of course, the numbers may fluctuate from time to time, but we cannot encourage Valley residents to be “trapped in systemic poverty.” Part of the initiative of building a clean energy future in the ag sector, means that we also must sustain it. Giving opportunities to current agriculture workers, energy experts, or even new, prospective employees that will support their livelihoods and sustain their development is a factor of success. We cannot just push an equitable energy initiative and let compensation fall flat.
We understand that the connection between the agriculture sector and climate adaptive careers may seem like night and day on the surface, but together both industries can change the outcomes of our future in positive ways. Highlighting organizations that embrace and promote the collaboration between these two sectors will push this effort further. Upon my research, I came across an organization, California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), whose entire mission is to “represent a statewide network of sustainable farmers and ranchers and allied organizations, agricultural professionals, scientists, and advocates.” With California’s ambitious climate goals in mind, CalCAN has partnered with ag companies/farmworkers in the Valley and beyond that are understanding the importance of actions like conserving water, reducing emissions, or investing in renewable energy.
“Farmworkers, underserved farmers of color, women farmers and disadvantaged rural communities are most disadvantaged in our current agricultural system and also most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change.” From this statement alone, we need to recognize that while pushing equitable workforce practices in EE- we can also do the same for the agriculture sector. The two are becoming more and more interweaved as we continue to innovate and make changes, especially here in the San Joaquin Valley. With such a thriving ag industry here in our region and the way that local community organizations are investing in clean energy in ag, we can look forward to lifting our most vulnerable communities and providing opportunities to them.
Sources:
https://aic.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2000-moca-III.4.pdf
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Statistics/PDFs/2016-17AgReport.pdf
https://energycentral.com/c/ec/energy-efficiency-key-keeping-agriculture-going
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/big-valley/article233551287.html https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-agriculture-farmlands-solar-power-20190703-story.html https://calclimateag.org/