restore vital ecosystems and expand public recreational access. Among their many projects, TPL is working with Alphabet Farms in California’s Imperial Valley to establish agricultural conservation easements on five key ranches, preventing development and securing essential wildlife habitats. Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President of the Pacific Region at TPL, said, “Protecting working lands and farmland not only keeps land in production vital to California’s economy—it’s also a critical strategy for safeguarding biodiversity and building climate resilience for many communities. By protecting and conserving working lands in ways that also provide responsible public access, we can bolster wildlife habitat, support natural landscapes and ensure these lands continue to benefit both ecosystems and the economy for generations to come.” From restoring wetlands at Cienega Ranch and securing historic access at Cross F Ranch to preserving massive ecological corridors like Wind Wolves Preserve and Temescal Ranch, these initiatives reflect a unified strategy of partnering with landowners and key stakeholders to balance agricultural productivity with lasting environmental stewardship. The Future of Conservation in Agriculture “Over the last 100 years, agriculture has evolved tremendously as growers have adapted to new challenges, new technologies, changing expectations and increasing demand,” said Nikki Cossio, CEO at Measure to Improve. “But sustainability has always been a cornerstone of agriculture, driven by the need to maintain productivity, efficiency and long-term viability.” She continued: “Today, the focus is not just on the work happening in the field, but also on making sure that work can be measured, documented and recognized across the supply chain. Projects like the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant project are important because they support growers directly while helping the industry document practices in a practical way. At Measure to Improve, our work focuses on helping growers and supply-chain partners turn farm-level work into credible information for reporting, supply-chain requests and expanding market opportunities.” Josette Lewis, CEO of Sustainable Conservation, a non-profit that focuses on accelerating habitat restoration, improving water quality and groundwater management, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices, said, “Over the past century, agriculture has evolved from a primary focus on production to a growing recognition that long-term success depends on healthy soils, resilient water systems, and thriving ecosystems. In 2026, conservation is ingrained in the day-to-day decisions farmers make because the viability of their operations and the health of the land are inseparable.” For many Western Growers members, the goal is simple: keep the land productive, healthy and protected for the next generation. As we celebrate 100 years of Western Growers supporting the fresh produce industry, we celebrate the foresight of the farmers and our conservation partners who recognized the importance of conserving and sustaining the next century of agriculture and our farming families.
One hundred years ago, the California growers' greatest feat was the movement of water; today, it is the remarkable conservation of it. In a state defined by its cycles of drought, our produce industry has emerged as a world leader in “more crop per drop,” slashing water use even as yields and quality soared. 100 years ago Ground water flows for agricultural irrigation in Kern County, Calif. Photo by Carleton E. Watkins, ca. 1880-1890.
Today Farmers use precision soil moisture sensors, laser leveling and GPS for efficient irrigation and building soil health. Photo courtesy of Agrology.
46 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com April – June 2026
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