California is facing a future where water is increasingly scarce, and the consequences for the state’s massive agricultural sector could be staggering. A new joint report by researchers at UC Davis and UC Merced warns that if immediate steps aren’t taken, California could suffer between $3 billion and $14 billion in annual water losses. This crisis, driven by climate change, urban demand, and groundwater depletion, is already accelerating, with water supplies projected to decline by up to 25 percent by 2050.
The ripple effects on agriculture are alarming: nearly 3 million acres of farmland may be forced out of production. That could mean the loss of 67,000 rural jobs and significant disruptions to California’s food supply chain, which serves not only the U.S. but global markets as well.
“This data underscores the urgency for both smart legislation and scalable technology. We can’t solve a shrinking water supply with guesswork. Farmers need real-time insights, early leak detection and better tools to manage what water they do have. That’s where technology steps in,” asserts Andrew Coppin, whose work in agricultural technology highlights the potential of innovation to alleviate mounting environmental pressures. As CEO of Ranchbot, Andrew is helping ranchers across the USA use remote monitoring solutions to optimize their water management and operations. He is also the co-founder and managing director of Farmbot, a pioneer in IoT of Ag that has changed the face of water management in rural Australia and the world.
The research arrives at a moment when lawmakers are debating how best to prepare the state for a drier future. Senate Bill 72 is gaining traction in Sacramento as a potential cornerstone of California’s water strategy. If passed, it would set a statewide water supply target for the first time in history, with an ambitious goal of developing 9 million acre-feet of new water by 2040.
A Perfect Storm for Farmers
The report outlines a range of challenges facing farmers: reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, aquifers depleted by decades of over-pumping, and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns. In some parts of the Central Valley, water allocations have been slashed to near zero. Many producers are fallowing land or shifting away from water-intensive crops as a result.
Water districts across the state are also reevaluating their systems and looking to technology for solutions. Smart irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors, and satellite data are becoming essential tools to monitor conditions in real time and prioritize where water should be used most effectively.
Technology as a Critical Resource
Agricultural technology companies have seen growing demand for digital water management solutions. Tools such as remote tank monitors, weather-integrated irrigation platforms, and predictive analytics are helping farms stretch their water supply and reduce waste.
These systems identify small leaks before they become significant losses, ensure water is delivered efficiently, and provide alerts during extreme weather or drought conditions. The ability to track and manage water use in real time is becoming essential to preserving productivity on the farm.
While these innovations are proving effective, not all farmers have equal access. Broadband limitations in rural areas and the cost of high-tech upgrades remain obstacles. Expanding access to these tools through policy support or financial assistance will be key to ensuring that water-saving technologies are adopted widely enough to make a meaningful difference.
Policy Momentum Builds
Senate Bill 72 aims to establish a long-term plan for water management across California, not only by setting goals for water development but by encouraging collaboration between the private and public sectors to modernize infrastructure. The growing interest in the bill reflects a broader understanding that water scarcity cannot be solved with conservation alone. Forward-looking policies are needed to support farmers as they adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
Coppin’s statement reflects this perspective. Without real-time monitoring and scalable tech solutions, many farmers will be left relying on outdated systems as their water supplies become more uncertain.
As California approaches 2050, the state’s agricultural stability will increasingly depend on its ability to adapt. Technology offers real tools to support farmers, but those tools need to be deployed quickly and equitably. The data is clear, the need is urgent, and the future of agriculture in California may hinge on whether the right investments are made today.