Radio War Nerd EP 495 — Pistachio Wars, feat. Yasha Levine & Rowan Wernham
Jan 23, 2025
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Yasha Levine and Rowan Wernham, talented filmmakers behind 'Pistachio Wars,' dive into the intricate world of California's water politics and agricultural power dynamics. They explore how the Resnick family navigated crises during the Los Angeles fires and the innovative distribution methods for their documentary. Delving into Victorville's challenges, they reveal the disparities of water rights and corporate control. The discussion also touches on California's ecological struggles and the complex interactions between agriculture, politics, and social justice.
The film 'Pistachio Wars' examines the Resnick family's control over California's water resources, showcasing the environmental impact of their agricultural practices.
Discussion on the exploitation of water rights introduces the concept of 'paper water,' highlighting the connection between agriculture and real estate markets.
Historical context provided reveals how political decisions and corporate interests have shaped California's environmental conditions and led to ecological degradation.
Deep dives
The Emergence of 'Pistachio Wars'
The development and release of the film 'Pistachio Wars' followed significant environmental events, specifically the wildfires in Los Angeles. The filmmakers, Yasha Levine and Rowan Wernum, were prompted to accelerate their release schedule to coincide with the growing public discourse surrounding the billionaire Resnick family, often referred to as 'water vampires.' Their documentary seeks to expose the intertwining relationship between agriculture, water ownership, and the environmental degradation occurring in California. The film's release on Gather allowed for immediate access to audiences, emphasizing the urgent need to highlight these critical issues.
Water Ownership and Control in California
The Resnick family, as documented in the film, holds substantial power as the largest private water owners in California, which significantly affects local agriculture and development. Their influence has been bolstered by lobbying efforts that have enabled them to privatize water resources and manipulate market dynamics. The concept of 'paper water' is essential to this control, allowing them to sell water rights that may not even materialize due to droughts. This practice connects real estate development to agricultural monopolies, showcasing how water is both a vital resource and a lucrative commodity.
Impact of Agriculture on Environment
The podcast delves into the devastating ecological consequences linked to California's agricultural practices, particularly in the Central Valley. Large-scale farming has led to over-extraction of water, with towns expanding rapidly without sustainable water supplies. Descriptions of overwhelmed ecosystems and harsh environmental realities emphasize the stark contrast between the perception of California as a lush paradise and the ongoing drought crises. The consequences of intensive farming and the prioritization of profits over ecological balance present a grave threat to the region's long-term viability.
The History of Water Supply and Land Development
Historically, California's development has been driven by a blend of New Deal policies and corporate interests that facilitated the extensive manipulation of land and water resources. The film traces back to key moments, such as the Californian agricultural expansion of the 20th century, where the demand for farmlands led to significant environmental changes. It covers how private interests, coupled with ineffective policies, have transformed the natural landscape into a heavily managed agricultural area. This link between political decisions, land usage, and water allocation illustrates the complexities of California’s growth and the consequences it has wrought.
Pistachios and Global Politics
The podcast highlights the intersection of agriculture and geopolitics, particularly through the lens of the Resnicks' expansion into the pistachio industry. The Iranian Revolution inadvertently opened a market gap for California pistachios, leading to the Resnicks capitalizing on this opportunity. Their political contributions to hawkish think tanks impacting U.S.-Iran relations reveal how corporate interests can shape international policy for the sake of profit. The film portrays the broader implications of these agricultural pursuits, illustrating how food production can be entangled with global tensions and economic strategies.