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Does the Western Megadrought Mean the End of Cheap Cheese and Ice Cream?

Gastropod

CHAPTER

Could the Federal Government Substitute Water for Agriculture?

The main reason that so many farmers like Jack can grow alfalfa in the desert is thanks to a huge government subsidy. If beneficial use doesn't include unlimited access to water for agriculture, then farmers might have to buy some of their water at a much higher rate. The federal government has modified that definition before and they could modify it again. It's one of the things on the table right now. When we asked him about what would happen if he had to pay more for water, this is what he told us.

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