The Imperial County Board of Supervisors discussed the value that both agriculture and lithium production bring to the Imperial Valley during its regular meeting Tuesday, June 17.
Agriculture and Lithium
Paula Pangle, president of the Imperial County Farm Bureau, said that with new geothermal industries emerging in the Valley, the community should not lose sight of the value of agriculture in the region.
“Agriculture is not just our past,” Pangle said. “It is our present and our future.” She praised the Valley’s “critical role in national food security,” which she said cannot be replaced by mining or technology trends.
Pangle said local agriculture supports families on both sides of the border and recognizes Imperial Valley growers for producing food with minimal water.
She said Imperial Valley agriculture, marked by “efficiency and sustainability,” contributes $2.7 billion to the local economy and brings “revenue, stability, jobs, identity and pride” to the county.
When facing challenges from “over regulation and rising costs,” Imperial Valley agriculture has shown “unmatched resilience,” Pangle said.
She was hesitant to fully support lithium, calling it an “exciting opportunity” but warning supervisors and Imperial Valley residents not to be “carried away” by its potential.
“Lithium might be a short-term trend rather than a long-term anchor,” Pangle warned, adding that it is risky to bank the region’s future on this sole mineral. She said she welcomes job opportunities for the Valley outside of agriculture but urged supervisors not to abandon the farm industry.
“Imperial Valley’s future is agriculture, and proudly so,” Pangle said.
District 1 Supervisor Jesus Escobar agreed, saying he does believe lithium is the future of the Valley. He said the lithium industry will come alongside the Valley’s essential agricultural and governmental jobs, explaining that the county is looking for “diversification” of fields.
District 4 Supervisor Ryan Kelley agreed with Escobar and added that there are other local resources beyond lithium, including manganese. He said the refinement and manufacturing of these elements will bring tax revenue, greater services for locals, and better opportunities for education and employment.
Kelley emphasized that he does “not believe lithium production is speculative.” While he acknowledged that agriculture and government jobs are the “backbone” of the region, Kelley said the Valley needs to “offer alternative choices,” including some in the critical minerals industry.
Source - https://www.thedesertreview.com
