UCARN Small Farms Network Logo featuring a basket of produce with fields in the background.
UC Small Farms Network

SGMA Resources for Small Farms

California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is reshaping how groundwater is managed across the state. These changes may affect water availability, groundwater pumping and agricultural operations in some regions of the state. The UC Small Farms Network helps small-scale farmers understand groundwater regulations, access technical assistance, and participate in local groundwater decision-making.

 

 

New Report: Managing Groundwater with Small Farms in Mind

Based on three years of research, this report by the UC Small Farm Network and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) examines how SGMA is impacting California's small-scale farmers, identifies key barriers and risks, and offers recommendations for more equitable groundwater management. 

Download Full Report (PDF, 47.9 MB)

Executive Summary (PDF, 4.25 MB)

Two men stand talking adjacent to an agricultural field and well

The findings from our report have been distilled into practical recommendations for three audiences involved in groundwater management and agricultural resilience:

Key Takeaways for Community Members (PDF, 3.93 MB)

Key Takeaways for Local Groundwater Agencies (PDF, 6.90 MB)

Key Takeaways for State Agencies (PDF, 2.66 MB)

Press release is available here.

 

Find Resources for Your Region

SGMA implementation looks different across California. Groundwater subbasin conditions, local agencies, sustainability plans, and management actions can vary significantly between regions. Visit your regional resource page for information and resources tailored to your area.

UC Small Farms Network SGMA Support Regions:

jujube on tree

Fresno & Madera Counties
Subbasins: Kings, Madera, Chowchilla

swiss chard in a row

Stanislaus, San Joaquin & Merced Counties 
Subbasins: Turlock, Modesto, Merced, Eastern San Joaquin

butternut squash on the vine

Tulare & Kings Counties 
Subbasins: Kaweah, Tule, Tulare Lake

cantalope on the vine

Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
Subbasins: Indio, Mission Creek, San Jacinto, Upper Santa Ana Valley

head of cabbage

Santa Clara, San Benito & Monterey Counties
Subbasins: San Benito, Santa Clara, Salinas

Don't see your county listed above? SGMA support in your area may be available through our partner CAFF. 

 

 

For questions about the UC ANR SGMA Program, contact sgma@ucanr.edu. For region-specific information, local resources, or technical assistance, please contact your local technical assistance provider.

We are part of the Underrepresented Communities, California Tribes, and Small Farmers Groundwater Technical Assistance Program (URCTA) through the California Department of Water Resources.

Partners in the DWR URCTA Program