Saving the potatoes of the San Luis Valley
It's not often that a person hears "potato" and thinks of Colorado, and even less likely that snowy mountains come to mind. Yet, nestled between the snowcapped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains are fields that yield two billion pounds of potatoes each year.
Colorado's San Luis Valley is the second-largest producer of potatoes in the nation. In fact, the region's potatoes are so vital that the state's economic stability depends on them. The industry generates over $250 million per year and is the primary employer of the area. Yet, despite the success of the San Luis potato, the valley is facing a crisis. If the region can't replenish its overused aquifers, both the San Luis Valley potato—and the state's economy—could be in big trouble.
As a high-altitude desert the size of the state of Massachusetts, the San Luis Valley depends on two aquifers to make its agriculture viable. However, drought and overdependence have lowered water levels far beyond what each year's snowmelt can replenish. As a result, conservation laws have been enacted, giving San Luis just seven years to restore groundwater levels before facing state-mandated well shutdowns. That's where groundwater conservation easements have come into play.
Groundwater conservation easements are agreements to reduce water use in exchange for cash payments and federal and state tax credits. The farmers are essentially making money from their water rights while keeping water in the valley. As these easements are put in place, federal funds have been helping farmers revegetate their fields with drought-resistant plants. Organizations like the nonprofit Colorado Open Lands have been pioneers in establishing these agreements, and they are starting to see success.
Farmers in the valley have been particularly receptive to these agreements. They understand the consequences if groundwater levels aren't replenished—generational farms will shut down. The problem is securing the state and federal funding necessary to expand these efforts. Luckily, after the initial success of the easements, politicians like Michael Bennett have been working to secure more funding through legislation such as the 2024 Farm Bill. Meanwhile, other regions in the country are looking to replicate the valley's success in order to address what is becoming an increasingly widespread water resource issue.
While the San Luis Valley still has a long way to go, it's promising to see water levels in the aquifers trending in the right direction. And with new initiatives such as the Rye Resurgence Project aimed at converting farms to lower-water-use crops like rye, we're hopeful to see even more progress.
Ultimately, as drought conditions become more severe, the need for creative agreements and agricultural processes becomes clear. If the aquifers were to ever dry up, the potatoes of the San Luis Valley would disappear without ever becoming synonymous with the beautiful snowcapped mountains of Colorado—and that will be the least of the state's worries.
By supporting Colorado's food system, you strengthen the ecosystem of farms that are working to make these changes. Building the local food system makes all of Colorado's farms stronger. Thank you for making an impact with your dollar.