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There’s a lot of noise right now when it comes to groundwater—plans, policies, lawsuits, and shifting deadlines. But underneath all of that, something bigger is happening. In parts of the Tulare Lake Subbasin, the land is sinking. And that’s not a figure of speech. It’s called subsidence. It’s one of the clearest signs that this water crisis isn’t just political—it’s physical. Whether we’re ready for it or not, it's showing up under our feet. What Is Subsidence? Subsidence happens when groundwater is pulled from below faster than it can be replenished. Over time, the underground layers compress—like a sponge that’s been squeezed too many times. Once those spaces collapse, they don’t come back. The land sinks and everything built on top of it starts to shift or crack. Why Subsidence in the Tulare Lake Subbasin Matters This isn’t just something farmers need to worry about. It affects roads, canals, levees, pipelines, and even homes. From the state’s perspective, subsidence threatens aqueducts and water delivery systems that serve cities, agriculture, and industry. That’s part of why it’s become such a focus in SGMA enforcement. You don’t have to agree with how the state handles things to recognize this much: when subsidence goes unchecked, there’s damage. And that damage spreads. How It Shows Up Locally Wells can be damaged or go dry. Canals can shift, making irrigation more difficult and more expensive. And while infrastructure suffers, it’s usually the landowners who end up footing the bill. We all know this water crisis didn’t come out of nowhere. It was built slowly, over decades—one decision at a time. And now the responsibility to clean it up is landing hardest on the people who’ve been working the land and feeding the state through it all. Where That Leaves Us Dealing with subsidence in the Tulare Lake Subbasin isn't an unsolvable problem and doesn't require us to throw in the towel. It’s about figuring out what we can do and making smart decisions from where we stand. We can watch our wells for changes in performance that might be early warning signs. We can take part in recharge efforts when opportunities arise. We can attend GSA meetings and speak up about what’s happening in the field. We can work together—whether through local water districts, the Farm Bureau, or with neighboring landowners. We can look at ways to improve surface and groundwater water efficiency. And most importantly, we can stay informed—because policies are shifting fast, and those changes are hitting growers first. Staying informed isn’t optional anymore. That’s where I come in: to help sort through the mess, track what’s changing, and offer some clarity without all the noise. Holding the Line We might be in the middle of a water war, but farmers didn’t start it. And they’re not walking away from it, either. The land has always told the truth. Right now, it’s telling us to pay attention. This valley was built by people who worked with the land, not against it. People who know how to adapt, even when the rules don’t make much sense. If there’s going to be a future for agriculture in California, it’s going to come from the people who are still walking the fields, fixing what’s broken, and figuring out how to make it work. The ground may be shifting. But the roots here run deep. This land still has a future—if we’re willing to protect it, fight for it, and pass it on. I'll see you at the table, Julie Martella

For years, I’ve worked with people navigating personal crises—helping them process uncertainty, make sense of overwhelming situations, and move forward with clarity. Now, I’m applying those same skills to an industry I know deeply—one that is facing an agriculture crisis unlike anything we’ve seen before. Agriculture is in Crisis—And That’s a Form of Grief Right now, agriculture is experiencing its own form of grief and disruption : Long-standing ways of doing business are disappearing. Regulations and policies feel overwhelming and impossible. Farmers, industry leaders, and businesses are being forced to make generational decisions under immense pressure. This isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. Families, businesses, and entire communities are being forced to make generational decisions under immense pressure, often drowning in legal complexity with no clear path forward. What We Need Isn’t Just Policy Solutions—It’s Clarity, Strategy, and Hard Conversations When individuals face a crisis, they need more than just information—they need guidance, clarity, and a way to make sense of it all. The same is true for industries in crisis. That’s why my work in grief and crisis navigation naturally extends to agriculture. The tools I’ve used to help individuals process personal loss are the same tools we need to apply to this industry-wide disruption: Farmers and industry leaders don’t need more overwhelming legal jargon. They need someone who can break it down, make it make sense, and help them confidently move forward. My work has alw ays focused on helping people navigate crisis and uncertainty. The landscape has changed, but the work remains the same. I now work with agricultural businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders to:   Educate and communicate regulations in a way that actually makes sense Facilitate strategic conversations so businesses can make informed, generational decisions Bridge the gap between policy and action so organizations can move forward . Let’s Expand the Conversation—Together This isn’t just about policy shifts. It’s about people, families, and the future of agriculture. The agriculture crisis we are facing demands clear thinking, bold leadership, and real solutions. Agriculture’s future depends on clear thinking and bold action. Let’s get to work. Julie Martella

For many people, the word "probation" sounds like a warning—a heads-up that something needs to change. But under SGMA, probation isn’t a soft landing. It’s a hard shift. And the reality of what happens next can catch entire communities off guard. What SGMA Probation Actually Triggers In April 2024, the Tulare Lake Subbasin in Kings County was placed on probation by the State Water Board. This designation didn’t come with much fanfare, but the consequences were immediate and steep: Every groundwater user in the basin had to report their pumping. Most extractors were required to install meters. New fees went into effect: $300 per well, and $20 for every acre-foot of water pumped. These stringent measures prompted the Kings County Farm Bureau to file a lawsuit against the State Water Board in May 2024, challenging the probation designation and associated fees as overreach. For operations already under pressure, these costs weren’t just frustrating—they were financially devastating. Why It Caught So Many Off Guard SGMA was written to prevent long-term harm. But when the solution arrives without enough time, local input, or practical support, it creates new harm in its place. What probation looks like on paper is very different from how it lands on the ground: Compliance becomes confusing. The rules keep shifting. The tone changes from collaboration to enforcement. What It Looks Like in Real Life The people navigating it aren’t sitting in policy meetings. They’re growers, landowners, small towns, and workers trying to adapt in real-time. They're figuring out how to register wells, pay the fees, and keep their operations going. They're the ones calling water districts and Farm Bureaus, asking, “What do I do next?” And that’s where the real work begins—helping people understand what’s required, what’s possible, and how to make decisions that hold up over time. Not with panic. With strategy. More Than Policy: A Personal Impact Probation may be a regulatory tool. But for those living through it, it’s deeply personal. It touches everything: Financial decisions Planting schedules Family stress Employee hours Long-term planning Where We Go From Here SGMA will continue to evolve. More basins may face probation. What we do now—how we respond, listen, and lead—will shape whether this season becomes a breaking point or a turning point for California agriculture. I'll see you at the table, Julie Martella

If you’ve never heard of SGMA, you’re not alone. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act was passed in California in 2014 to address the long-term decline of our groundwater supplies. But even now, most people outside of farming communities have no idea what SGMA is—or how deeply it will reshape life in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. The law was built on a real concern: declining aquifers, dry wells, and sinking land pointed to decades of overpumping. SGMA was meant to bring balance to California’s groundwater use. But nearly a decade later, it’s clear that the burden of this transition is not being shared equally. Right now, some of the strictest enforcement efforts are focused on the San Joaquin Valley—where agriculture isn’t just an industry; it’s the economic and cultural backbone of entire communities. In the Tulare Lake Subbasin alone, more than 25% of the population works in ag. When water is restricted, farms scale back. Jobs disappear. Families relocate. Schools lose funding. And yet, beyond this region, the conversation about groundwater remains distant and often uninformed. In many cities, the dialogue around water has become politicized and detached. There’s a growing gap between those who rely on food and those who produce it. It's easy to believe that shifting food production out of state or country is a viable solution. But that mindset ignores the complex web of local jobs, food security, and generational stewardship rooted in this land. The state’s current approach includes legal deadlines, strict reporting mandates, and financial penalties for noncompliance in places like Kings County. In 2024, the Tulare Lake Subbasin was placed on probation, triggering a $300 per well fee and $20 per acre-foot pumping charge. For many family operations, that’s not just difficult. It’s devastating. I believe we can manage groundwater responsibly without dismantling the communities that grow our food. Local knowledge matters and any long-term solution must be built with, not imposed on, the people most affected. This is where I do my work. Right at the intersection of regulation and reality—supporting those in agriculture as they navigate complex changes, helping communities stay informed, and working to ensure that SGMA doesn’t become a story of loss but a path to long-term resilience. We can protect our resources and the people who depend on them, but only if we approach this moment with clarity, urgency, and respect for what’s at stake. I'll meet you at the table, Julie Martella

Why I Stepped Into This Work People ask me why I’ve taken on SGMA work when I already had a full, meaningful life walking alongside widows and families through some of life’s hardest seasons. The truth is, I haven’t left that work. But this groundwater crisis in the Tulare Lake subbasin is on a scale that demands attention. It has the power to reshape agriculture in California—and not in twenty years. Now. On this land. In this basin. This work isn’t abstract for me. It’s personal. My husband was a fifth-generation farmer. I still live on our home ranch and farm his orchard. I want this land to remain a generational homestead for my children and their children. This isn’t just policy—it’s legacy. And that’s why I’m here. Because if we don’t find a way forward, we risk losing more than water—we risk losing a way of life. This groundwater crisis is on a scale that demands attention. It has the power to reshape agriculture in California—and not in twenty years. Now. On this land. In this basin. I didn’t step into this work because I needed something new to do. I stepped in because I believe agriculture still has a future here, and I’m willing to sit in the hard space between the people trying to protect that future and the policies making it harder every day. What’s Really at Stake in the Tulare Lake Subbasin In the Tulare Lake Subbasin, agriculture isn’t just a way of life—it’s the backbone of the entire community. With 25% of the population working in ag, any threat to farming puts the local economy, schools, and generations of families at risk. The Public Policy Institute of California projects that achieving groundwater sustainability by 2040 could result in the fallowing of 500,000 to 1 million acres of agricultural land in the Central Valley. When farms go under, it doesn’t stop at the field. Packing sheds close. Equipment suppliers lose business. Truck drivers have fewer loads. Restaurants and small businesses in rural towns see fewer customers. Families relocate in search of work; school districts lose funding as enrollment drops and local tax bases shrink, leaving less support for public safety, healthcare, and infrastructure. The fabric of the community begins to fray, not just economically but socially and culturally. That’s why I’m here. Groundwater regulations like SGMA aren’t just about water—they’re about survival. The San Joaquin Valley is at risk of losing not only farmland but the people and livelihoods tied to it. And here’s the truth: we don’t need another politician showing up with a five-point plan. We don’t need posturing. We need someone who can sit at the table with everyone in the room—and stay there. That’s where I come in. I’m not here to take sides. I’m here because I understand what’s on the line—and I know how to keep conversations moving when the room gets tense and the stakes feel personal. How I’m Helping Local Stakeholders Navigate SGMA My work isn’t theoretical. It’s not driven by agendas or advocacy groups. I work with landowners, GSAs, and communities to help make sense of the real-time shifts happening under SGMA—without all the jargon and without taking up sides. I help folks: Understand recharge efforts and efficiency opportunities Ask better questions at GSA meetings Stay informed when timelines or requirements change Figure out what to do now—not ten years from now I’m Not Here to Take Sides on the Groundwater Crisis in the Tulare Lake Subbasin This situation feels a lot like a messy divorce. Local growers and stakeholders on one side. The state, on the other. And in between hundreds of decisions missed communications, and real consequences are playing out in real-time. I’m not here to stir the pot. I’m not here to defend Sacramento either. We need to find the middle ground because I believe that’s where change is possible. I’m Here to Help Hold the Middle If you’re still working the land, managing wells, and hoping to pass something down, you already know how much is at stake. And maybe, like me, you’re tired of being told what to do by people who’ve never sat through a single irrigation season. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here because I believe the next chapter of California agriculture is still being written—and I want to help shape it with clarity, not confusion. The ground may be shifting, but I’m still standing. This land still has a future—if we’re willing to protect it, fight for it, and stay in the room long enough to find a way through. I'll see you at the table, Julie Martella

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

SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley isn’t just a regulatory issue—it’s reshaping how water is managed in the Tulare Lake Subbasin and beyond. Farmers aren’t just trying to comply with new rules; they’re fighting to secure the future of their operations while navigating uncertainty. One of the biggest challenges is getting the Tulare Lake Subbasin out of probation and revising the plan to ensure a viable path forward. 1. Uncertainty Around Compliance SGMA water policies in the San Joaquin Valley keep changing, and farmers are left scrambling to keep up. Reporting requirements, well registrations, and shifting expectations make it hard to know what’s required and what’s coming next. Many don’t have time to sit through lengthy policy meetings or sift through technical documents. ♦️ Solution: Farmers need clear, straightforward updates and a trusted source to break down what’s happening to make informed decisions without losing valuable time. 2. Water Access & Management Limits The biggest concern? Water. Groundwater pumping restrictions, unpredictable allocations, and regulatory hurdles force farmers to rethink their operations. The GSAs of the Tulare Lake Subbasin are working to revise their plans and avoid having the state take over. The stakes are higher than ever, and farmers are looking for ways to balance compliance while keeping their farms running. ♦️ Solution: A proactive water strategy is key. Stakeholders must stay engaged in local SGMA discussions to advocate for policies that benefit agriculture, not just regulators. 3. Lack of Representation in Policy Decisions Many agriculture decisions are made without real input from the people working the land. Small and mid-sized farms often feel left out, assuming they don’t have a voice. But they do. As the Tulare Lake Subbasin revises its plan , agricultural voices are needed more than ever to ensure that the outcome is both compliant and realistic for farmers. ♦️ Solution: Farmers and ag organizations must stay engaged. When the wrong people shape policy, agriculture loses. Now is the time to show up, speak up, and make sure SGMA works for everyone. SGMA water policy in the San Joaquin Valley isn’t going away, and waiting isn’t an option. The Tulare Lake Subbasin is at a critical turning point. The farmers, organizations, and communities that take action today will have the best chance of shaping a water future that makes sense. Let’s Talk – Need help navigating these challenges? Contact me at hello@julesmartella.com. See you at the table, Julie

Regulations shift, and policies evolve. Yet, too many businesses in agriculture and related industries scramble to adjust at the last minute. The cost? Confusion, financial setbacks, and missed opportunities. Understanding policy is one thing—navigating SGMA and policy changes strategically is another. The Most Common Mistakes in Navigating SGMA & Policy Changes Businesses that struggle with regulatory shifts often make these key mistakes: ♦️ Ignoring SGMA Until It’s Too Late— Many businesses wait until compliance deadlines are looming before making policy changes, leaving them with limited options and increased stress. ♦️ Lack of Clear Communication— When leadership fails to communicate SGMA and other policy changes effectively, teams remain unprepared, leading to operational chaos. ♦️ Assuming Someone Else Will Handle It – Relying on industry groups or associations to do all the work means missing opportunities to shape the conversation and advocate for business-friendly regulations. ♦️ Not Having a Long-Term Plan – Reacting instead of planning leads to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies, while proactive businesses build resilience by integrating SGMA regulations into their strategic vision. ♦️ Failure to Engage with Policymakers – Businesses that don’t voice their concerns early in the process often find themselves stuck with regulations that don’t reflect industry realities. How Businesses Can Get Ahead of SGMA & Policy Changes Navigating SGMA and policy changes doesn’t have to be a burden—it can be an opportunity. Here’s how businesses can stay ahead: ♦️ Monitor & Anticipate Shifts – Keeping up with legislative trends allows businesses to prepare in advance rather than scramble at the last minute. ♦️ Develop Internal Communication Strategies – Ensuring teams understand SGMA and other policy changes and their impact leads to smoother implementation. ♦️ Engage in Advocacy Efforts – Getting involved early in policy discussions allows businesses to help shape regulations rather than react to them. ♦️ Invest in Policy Strategy – A dedicated approach to navigating SGMA and policy changes ensures businesses remain compliant, competitive, and ahead of the curve. Let’s Make SGMA & Policy Work for Your Business Regulatory changes are inevitable, but being caught off guard isn’t. I help businesses interpret SGMA shifts, develop strategic communication plans, and take a proactive approach to industry changes. Don’t wait for SGMA and policy mistakes to disrupt your business—let’s create a plan that keeps you ahead. Reach out today, and let’s start the conversation. Julie

Regulations are written in legalese, not in the language of the people they impact. The result? Farmers, agribusinesses, and industry leaders are left guessing how to comply, and that confusion comes at a cost. Nowhere is this more evident than in California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). SGMA and Agricultural Policy: Policy vs. Practicality SGMA was designed to protect California’s groundwater for the future, but it’s become a maze of uncertainty for many in agriculture. The law mandates sustainable water management, but the implementation details are often vague, vary by region, and leave farmers and business owners scrambling to understand what it actually means for their land, operations, and future. Many farmers are asking: ♦️ How do I know if I’m in compliance? ♦️ What does this mean for my water allocation? ♦️ Will my farm still be viable in five years? Without clear communication, policy becomes a burden rather than a solution. Why SGMA and Agricultural Policy Confusion Is Costing Businesses When policy is unclear or poorly communicated: ♦️ Farmers delay crucial decisions, leading to financial and operational setbacks. ♦️ Businesses struggle to invest in long-term solutions because the rules keep shifting. ♦️ Water uncertainty creates ripple effects in land values, crop planning, and economic stability across rural communities. Bridging the Gap: Turning SGMA Policy Into Action This is where strategic communication comes in. I help: ♦️ Translate SGMA and other policies into real-world strategies that businesses can understand and implement. ♦️ Develop clear, proactive messaging that helps organizations prepare rather than react. ♦️ Advocate for agriculture’s voice in policy discussions to ensure those making the rules understand the real-world implications. SGMA doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right strategy, businesses can move forward with clarity instead of hesitation. Let’s Make SGMA and Agricultural Policy Work for Agriculture Regulations are inevitable, but confusion doesn’t have to be. If your business is struggling to navigate SGMA and agricultural policies or other policy shifts, let’s connect. I specialize in turning complexity into clarity so agriculture can focus on what it does best—feeding the world. Reach out today, and let’s start the conversation, Julie

For years, I’ve helped people navigate some of the hardest transitions in life. From guiding widows through grief to helping businesses build smarter systems, my work has always centered on one thing—making the complex more manageable. Now, I’m bringing that expertise to agriculture, policy, and industry advocacy—because change isn’t just about policy; it’s about clarity and action. Interpreting Agricultural Policy: Why It Matters Agriculture is at a crossroads. Water policy, regulatory changes, and economic shifts are creating uncertainty, and businesses need more than just information—they need strategic guidance. The problem? Too often, critical policies are buried in legalese, inaccessible reports, and conflicting narratives. Farmers, agribusinesses, and industry leaders don’t just need more data—they need clear, actionable insights that drive real-world decisions. That’s where I come in. How My Background Shapes My Work Grief & Crisis Navigation : I’ve spent years helping people through life’s toughest transitions, giving them structure and direction in uncertain times. That same skillset applies to agriculture—helping businesses confidently navigate industry shifts. Policy Interpretation & Advocacy : Whether it’s water regulations, crisis response, or industry advocacy, I take complex issues and distill them into clear, effective messaging that drives action. Industry Leadership : My husband was a fifth-generation farmer, and his deep love for agriculture instilled in me the same passion. My roots in the San Joaquin Valley run deep, and my commitment to this land and its people is unwavering. With strong industry connections and experience in stakeholder discussions, I help businesses not just survive but thrive in this shifting landscape. How I Can Help Your Business Interpret Policy and Create Advocacy I work with farm bureaus, industry organizations, and businesses to: ♦️ Interpret Policy into Actionable Strategies – Helping businesses understand and implement regulatory changes. ♦️ Develop Industry Messaging & Crisis Communication Plans – Ensuring organizations are prepared for policy shifts and unexpected challenges. ♦️ Advocate & Educate – Bridging the gap between policymakers and the agricultural businesses that need their voices heard. Let’s Work Together If you are a business leader, industry group, or policymaker seeking clear, strategic communication that inspires action, let’s talk. This is the time to examine how we interpret policy & create advocacy for the agricultural industry. I help organizations turn complexity into clarity—so they can make smarter decisions that shape the future of agriculture. Reach out today, and let’s start the conversation. Julie

Water regulations, shifting policies, and industry challenges are reshaping agriculture. Every day, farmers, business owners, and industry leaders are told about new policies, new restrictions, and new expectations—but rarely do they get clear guidance on what it all means for them. And that’s the real issue. The problem isn’t just policy—it’s how we communicate it. It’s not enough to have policies in place. It’s not enough to draft regulatory frameworks. The real question is: How do we communicate policy in a way that allows people to truly understand it, take action, and know their options? Too often, business owners, industry leaders, and policymakers are left overwhelmed, confused, or misinformed because regulations are buried in legal jargon or technical explanations that don’t translate into real-world decisions. The Real Challenge: Strategic Communication for Agriculture Most organizations don’t struggle with understanding why change is happening—they struggle with what to do about it. What does this policy actually mean for my business? How will it impact my bottom line and my long-term viability? What actions should I be taking today to prepare for tomorrow? Without clear, actionable communication, industry changes become a source of frustration instead of a roadmap for success. Bridging the Gap Between Policy & Action This is where strategic communication for agriculture becomes critical. I make policy make sense. I turn industry complexity into actionable strategy. I bridge the gap between regulation and implementation. The agriculture industry doesn’t just need policy updates—it needs real solutions that businesses and stakeholders can actually use. What’s Next? Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing insights, strategies, and key takeaways on policy, advocacy, and crisis communication for agriculture. If your organization is facing challenges around policy interpretation, crisis management, or industry shifts, let’s talk. 📩 Have a question? Drop it in the comments or send me a message. This is just the beginning. Let’s make complex issues clear, together. Julie