Gov. Lewis receives special recognition at water conference
Christopher Lomahquahu
Gila River Indian News
Water and agricultural experts convened at a conference on the current state and future of Arizona agribusiness. The Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona hosted its annual meeting and water conference at the Salt River Project Para Club Pavilion on May 16.
The conference is meant to address the issue of water and food systems conservation and production during drought conditions. Chris Udall, Executive Director for Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona, welcomed the attendees to the conference.
He emphasized the importance of working together to create a viable future for agriculture, that will benefit all Arizonans. Part of the plan for a viable future, Udall said is inviting everyone to the table to discuss how water can be used responsibly and effectively for agricultural use.
Tom Davis, President of AgriBusiness and Water Council of Arizona, explained the purpose of the council. The council is a state affiliate of the National Water Resources Association, that lobbies for water municipalities and its affiliates.
Davis announced the addition of awardees to honor those who manage agribusiness and water issues in the state of Arizona, that includes tribal governments.
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis was present to receive a special recognition award for his contributions to the current water issues in the state of Arizona. Davis said the Community has been instrumental in the DCP, to get it implemented into action.
The council has responsibility over the Western region of the United States, advocating for more attention to water resources. Davis said the council is the state affiliate of the National Water Resources Association and lobbies for water municipalities and affiliates on agriculture.
“The things, that [we] have been involved in this last year, are in conjunction with the department of agriculture with the state of Arizona, we host a roundtable in late December.”
“Because of the water crunch, we want to do something a little different and recognize those, who are and influential to helping solving our water problems, through the Drought Contingency Plan,” said Davis.
