SGMA Water Policy in the San Joaquin Valley: What Farmers Need to Know Now

SGMA isn’t just about policy. It’s about people. It’s about the farmers, irrigation districts, and rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley who rely on water to survive.

I see it firsthand. I live it.

I’m not an engineer, a lawyer, or a scientist—I work with them.

My role is to be the bridge between the experts, the decision-makers, and the people whose livelihoods depend on finding solutions.

♦️ Translating SGMA and water regulations into clear, actionable strategies

♦️ Making sure farmers and ag organizations have a voice in water policy

♦️ Representing stakeholders in key meetings so they don’t have to waste time decoding policy jargon

♦️ Advocating for practical solutions that balance compliance with sustainability

Compliance isn’t enough. Farmers need:

♦️ Clarity—what’s required and how to adapt

♦️ Engagement—a voice in policy decisions

♦️ Advocacy—solutions that actually work for agriculture

I don’t just study SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley—I live with its consequences.

My husband was a fifth-generation farmer, and I still live on our home ranch. Like so many in the San Joaquin Valley, I know firsthand how water regulations impact farms of every size.

I work with small and large farms, GSAs, farm bureaus, and ag-adjacent industries, and I provide policy interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy.

SGMA is here to stay. Waiting isn’t an option. Agriculture needs leadership, strategy, and a seat at the table.

Let’s Talk – Ready to move beyond confusion and into proactive water strategy?

Contact me at hello@julesmartella.com.

See you at the table,

Julie Martella