Bill 119 s 228, also known as the Acequia Drought Protection Act, aims to amend the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide drought protections for producers who rely on acequia systems. Acequias are traditional irrigation systems used in the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico and Colorado, that rely on community cooperation to distribute water for agricultural purposes.
The bill seeks to ensure that producers who use acequia systems have access to the same drought protections as other agricultural producers. This includes access to federal assistance programs and resources to help mitigate the impacts of drought on their crops and livelihoods.
In addition to providing drought protections, the bill also aims to support the preservation and maintenance of acequia systems, which play a crucial role in sustaining agriculture in arid regions. By recognizing the unique needs of producers who rely on acequias, the bill seeks to promote sustainable agriculture practices and ensure the continued viability of these traditional irrigation systems.
Overall, the Acequia Drought Protection Act is a bipartisan effort to address the specific challenges faced by producers who rely on acequia systems and to ensure that they have the support they need to weather drought conditions and continue to contribute to the agricultural economy.