On June 24, Yolo County Supervisors Lucas Frerichs (District 2) and Angel Barajas (District 5) hosted the fourth annual Western Yolo Agricultural Roundtable. The event brought together 40 members of the agricultural community, County officials and local leaders for an open discussion of groundwater, invasive weeds and other issues affecting agriculture in Yolo County.

April Meneghetti, Yolo County Director of Environmental Health, and Kristin Sicke, Executive Officer of the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency (YSGA), provided an update on the County’s temporary agricultural well moratorium.

The presenters explained the agencies’ respective roles in groundwater management. The County regulates well construction to protect public health and prevent groundwater contamination, while the YSGA is responsible for maintaining sustainable groundwater conditions throughout the Yolo Subbasin. The YSGA shared updates on projects intended to increase groundwater recharge and strengthen the region’s water supply before the next drought. Participants discussed the well moratorium and the potential benefits and challenges of developing a groundwater allocation system over the longer term. 

County staff are scheduled to present an update on the well moratorium to the Board of Supervisors at its July 21 meeting. The update will include a recommendation on whether to extend the agricultural well moratorium beyond August 25, 2026, and whether to require meters for new agricultural wells under the County’s well ordinance.

Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner Humberto Izquierdo provided an update on efforts to detect and control the invasive parasitic weed broomrape. Izquierdo described the county’s work with state agencies and agricultural partners to respond to the threat.

Yolo County Farm Bureau Executive Director Miranda Driver and Board President Lee Smith discussed the organization’s work, policy priorities, and efforts to preserve agriculture in Yolo County. They also discussed the range of views among Farm Bureau members on issues including the well moratorium.

The roundtable closed with a panel discussion featuring Supervisors Frerichs and Barajas, Adam Fieseler, Director of Community Services, and Meneghetti. Panelists responded to questions from attendees and provided updates on projects affecting attendees, including county efforts to increase housing opportunities for farmworkers.

“I appreciate the opportunity to engage in open dialogue with our agricultural community,” said Supervisor Lucas Frerichs. “Addressing complex issues such as groundwater sustainability requires collaboration and community input to protect our shared resources.”

"I’m encouraged that these events continue to prove that when you give people the opportunity for real conversations, better outcomes can follow,” said Supervisor Angel Barajas. “Whether it’s well permitting and moratorium discussions, broomrape weed, property rights, water, or the day-to-day challenges facing farmers and landowners, these roundtables create the space for meaningful dialogue and understanding. I’m proud of how far they’ve come and excited about the role they’ll continue to play in bringing people together to address the issues that matter most to our community.”