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_~ 1 ~~ ___ J The Lundbergs support water metering ^ Farmers are "a little more judicious" if they are paying on a per-acre basis. ^ Metering enables the districts to more equitably allocate supplies and reward efficient water users. ^ Drought rationing need not limit the number of acres cultivated if a farmer can cultivate all of his or her acreage with a reduced water supply because of efficiency improvements. ~;. Lundberg Family Farms, Sacramento Valley, California The Lundberg family has been growing rice in the Sacramento Valley for over 60 years, after leaving western Nebraska during the Dust Bowl. The Lundbergs are agricultural pioneers with a long commit- ment to growing organic rice and an equally long commitment to preservation of natural resources. Their preservation commitment includes never burning their rice stubble, exploring approaches to minimize chemical use, building their soil, conserving water and maintaining wildlife habitat on their fields. The Lundbergs are not afraid to experiment with weed control, irrigation practices, cultivation of new varieties of rice or new product development. The environment is fre- quently abeneficiary of these experiments. The Lundbergs farm 3,200 acres of their own land each year; one thousand of these acres are certified organic. The Lundbergs 54 also work with adjacent farmers who grow rice according to their specifications on approximately 3,500 acres annually. About 75% of this land is also certified organic. But even on non-certified lands, the Lundbergs try to farm using ecologically friendly practices. Indeed, the total pool of land on which rice is grown to the Lundbergs' specifications is much larger since much of the land is fallowed each year. Water Supply and Management Before construction of the Oroville Dam by the State of California, the Lundbergs irrigated their land with water from the Feather River. Now, they irrigate with water delivered by the Western Canal Irrigation District from the Oroville Afterbay. This water is delivered to the