California has the largest agricultural economy in the nation, generating $34.8 billion in sales in 2009 [California Department of Food and Agriculture]. Nine of the top ten agricultural counties in the United States are located in California. Six of them are in the 8-county San Joaquin Valley.

Californians are paying a huge price for farming the fertile soils of the Central Valley – the loss of clean water. For decades, commercial fertilizers and pesticides have been applied in amounts that far exceed the ability of crops to absorb. While pesticide application is somewhat regulated and requires permits and safety measures, fertilizer use has no restrictions. Clean Water Fund is a leading voice in the development of new state regulations to protect groundwater and limit nitrate contamination.