Drought-stricken California limits water use by farmers; Obama extends $110M in relief

SACRAMENTO, June 12 (UPI) -- Water restrictions in drought-stricken California will have more of an effect on some farmers now thanks to a new order from the state water board on Friday.

Farmers were largely unaffected by sweeping water restrictions announced by Gov. Jerry Brown in April. But those with water rights dating back to 1903 and after in some parts of the state are facing curtailment.

"With drought conditions continuing into the summer months, State Water Resources Control Board announced today that there is insufficient water available for senior water right holders with a priority date of 1903 or later in the San Joaquin and Sacramento watersheds and the Delta," a release from the state water board said.

The new curtailments will affect 276 rights holders. It's possible more farmers will face restrictions in the future.

The last time the state ordered restrictions for pre-1914 rights holders was during a drought in the 1970s.

Brown faced intense scrutiny in April for not ordering tighter restrictions for farmers to ease the effects of drought. Agriculture consumes 80 percent of California's water, but only accounts for two percent of the state's economy, according to non-partisan think tank Public Policy Institute of California.

The Democratic governor defended his decision at the time, saying farms in California are "providing most of the fruits and vegetables of America" and provide jobs to the state's most vulnerable residents.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Obama administration announced $110 million in new drought relief, including $72 million in crop insurance savings.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency rolled out an expansion of insurance coverage assistance to farmers affected by severe weather. The RMA's expanded program allows farmers to include low-yield crops as a result of severe weather when figuring their crop insurance coverage.

The department's Food and Nutrition Service is also working with community groups to to establish 760 summer food service meal sites in drought-impacted communities in the Central Valley. The program will provide meals to students who would normally receive lunch at school for little or no cost.

The Department of Labor is granting up to $18 million for jobs for Californian workers dislocated by the drought. The National Dislocated Worker Grant will employ up to 1,000 people for up to six months at public and nonprofit agencies. These jobs will help to build drought resilience, reduce wildfire risk and improve water efficiency.