Unite for Water Rights to Save Wine? What’s wrong and what’s well in Cuyama CA Desert viticulture

Unite for water rights

While many have heard about the wildflowers in the Carrizzo Plain National Monument, fewer people know just a few miles up toward the Los Padres Forest and Ojai, is an up and coming wine and olive growing region — and one that is already at risk from a water grab that is disrupting the hydrologic cycle in the area for farmers and residents. 

Home to Condor’s Hope, a largely dry farmed and agro-ecological project as well as Sagebrush Annie Winery and Quail Springs permaculture farm, the area is threatened by carrots grown at farms by Bolthouse, Grimmway, and a Harvard investment group’s venture into wine grapes which is sucking the area dry.

Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms are the world’s largest carrot growers, producing 80% of the U.S. carrot market, an annual crop worth $69 million. Together they pump over 40% of the Cuyama Valley basin’s water supply.

Last year they pumped 28,500 acre-feet of water which is enough water to supply three cities the size of Santa Barbara with a year’s worth of water.

Now they’re suing every homeowner, business, small-scale farmer, rancher – even schools – for rights to the community’s water. For ways to take action and learn more click: here

Condor’s Hope

Condor’s Hope is an organic, biodynamic, agro-ecological winery, farm, and olive orchard, and it is a project by one of my beloved UC Santa Cruz Field Quarter faculty Steve Gliessmann and his wife.  I’ve been trying to visit for many years now, but it hasn’t worked out for me to be there when Steve is there– but I did taste and love his wine at our Field Quarter Reunion in June 2022! And the more direct road there from where I live in Ventura to Cuyama is HWY 33 which starts near my house at the beach, winds up to Ojai — and stops! It’s been closed since the torrential rains of 2023 and won’t open until 2024. Certainly as soon as it opens up again I am heading to Condor’s Hope to learn more about this important issue, visit the vineyards, taste, camp, photograph, and share stories.

From a recent Condor’s Hope Newsletter: 

Cuyama Valley Groundwater Update


Many of you have been following the intense groundwater issues in the Cuyama Valley where our vineyard is located. We are one of 21 critically overdrafted basins in California. Similar to most of these basins, our overdraft is due to the overpumping of the aquifers for agriculture. Farming does not need to create these severe overdrafts. The type of farming that does not stay within the means of their aquifer’s capacity, lowers the groundwater level year after year. In Cuyama there are many local farms and ranches that work hard to conserve our water supply. Yet, there are large corporations that are growing carrots and planting large water intensive vineyards that continue to irrigate with more water than is replenished by nature. Together our community is taking a stand to stop these pumpers and to enforce a plan that will lead us toward a sustainable future. Many of you have joined us in supporting the carrot boycott against Grimmway and Bolthouse Farms (especially known for their “baby carrots”). We also greatly appreciate those who have chipped in to support our community’s legal defense fund to stop Harvard University’s investment vineyard from constructing three super large reservoirs that would only be filled with groundwater pumped from below ground. Read more about the Harvard Water Grab here. On Tuesday, October 10th we had our final hearing before the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. In a 3-2 vote the supervisors denied the permit for the reservoirs. The community of Cuyama showed up to defend our way of life, farming and ranching that protects the land and conserves our groundwater. This was a major effort over seven years to stop the reservoirs. Please join us in this victory lap!

The efforts of our small community have caught national attention. Recently the NY Times and the Associated Press were here talking to locals as well as the corporate entities. The Times has been running an excellent series on groundwater and our story will hopefully soon be part of it.

We greatly appreciate your support of Condor’s Hope and all the farmers who are growing their crops in harmony with nature. We hope that part of your enjoyment of our wine and olive oil, and all of the foods you eat, comes from knowing that it is grown in ways that support and enhance the environment and the people who work in the food system. Thank you!

When you visit the Cuyama Valley, come by for a vineyard tour and wine tasting. Reservations are required. Please find out more here. Make a weekend of visiting the Cuyama Valley by staying at the Cuyama Buckhorn or many of the ‘glamping’ sites.
 

Cuyama water rights

The residents of the Valley have launched a carrot boycott against these corporations. Visit the website to find out more and sign the petition. Harvard University’s endowment fund has converted historic non-irrigated rangeland into a water-intensive vineyard on the western end and now wants to increase the amount they pump. Please read below and then Visit our GoFundMe site to help support Cuyamans Against Water Grabs in our effort to stop Harvard from constructing reservoirs that will hold millions of gallons of groundwater for their private use.

To the rescue comes activists and Patagonia, based in nearby Ventura, at the original Great Pacific Iron Works store today, located 235 W Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA 93001.

Unite for Water Rights Nov. 4: Stand With Cuyama Against Corporate Greed

Saturday, November 4th from 11-4pm, Patagonia Ventura hosts a community gathering with live music, fundraising for Quail Springs, hands on activities for kids and families led by Great Pacific CDC, tasty food and numerous drinks, a chance to win prizes and Patagonia Gear and much more including representatives from various area community advocacy groups. 

In collaboration with Quail Springs, Patagonia is creating an open space for organizations from Cuyama Valley, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ojai and Ventura all uniting together sharing the important work they are doing for the environment. From land conservation, environmental education and advocacy, protecting indicator species and regenerative agriculture. Scroll down for the list of organizations and links to their websites.

Event Timeline

The event will kick off with live music by Quail Springs’ very own high desert choir, the Muddy Daughters and Cuyama Mama & The Hot Flashes will be bringing their foot stompin’, apron flauntin’ high desert dance music in the afternoon! Access to the outdoor play area of the Great Pacific CDC will be available and fun activities for kids will be spearheaded by our very own GPCDC teachers. From face-painting, building your own mini mud fairy houses, native flora and fauna coloring sheets and so much more! Brief presentations will take place throughout the event from Quail Springs and opportunities for give-aways filled with hand-crafted local goodies to stock up for the holidays. 

There will be a chance to win Patagonia hiking and Workwear gear, with winners drawn at 3:30 PM. The drawing will consist of three winners and items will range from small, medium and large-scale collections. Winner must be present in order to receive the gear. A purchase or donation per ticket will be used to enter and all proceeds will be donated. $10.00 for small, $15.00 for medium and $20.00 for large. 

 

 

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