Jamie Johansson Outlines Priorities for California Agriculture
By Dan
October 16, 2026
Agri-Business, Conservation, Economy, Environment, Infrastructure, Interview, Labor and Immigration, Regulation, Special Reports, Technology, Trade, Water
Former California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson joins Nick Papagni on "The Ag Meter" to discuss water, farm regulations, energy costs, labor challenges, and the future of rural California.
Water Storage and Groundwater Recharge
Johansson, who farms olives and citrus near Oroville, emphasizes the urgent need for better water management in California. He highlights the 2015 drought and the recent droughts between 2022-2023 as evidence of water shortages' impact on agricultural production and local economies. He advocates for:
- More water storage infrastructure
- Renewed focus on hydropower
- Effective groundwater recharge during high-flow events
Johansson expresses frustration with delays in a reservoir project supported by a 2014 bond measure and calls for California to prepare for future droughts, rather than just responding to shortages after they occur. He criticizes regulatory barriers that, in his opinion, hinder infrastructure development and efficient water management.
Farm Regulations and Rising Costs
Johansson believes California's regulatory environment is making it difficult for farms to remain competitive. He urges a review of major policies like Assembly Bill 32, California’s climate legislation, to assess their impact on energy and fuel costs. He questions whether the promised long-term savings from climate-related requirements have materialized.
He also advocates for greater legislative accountability for new fees and taxes.