Agenda Item Wording:
title
Approve agreements for the 2026-2027 Land Fallowing Program - Authorize the City Manager to sign the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency 2026-2027 Land Fallowing Program contracts for a combined 138.91 field acres in the total amount of $55,564 to be paid to the City of Visalia.
body
Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Prepared by:
Rehana Lustyan, Senior Project Manager - rehana.lustyan@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4176
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director - nick.bartsch@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4428
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council authorize the City Manager to sign the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GKGSA) 2026-2027 Land Fallowing Program contracts for a combined 138.91 field acres, related to APNs: 073-110-036, 073-110-049, 073-110-051, 073-110-068, and 103-100-052, in the total amount of $55,564 to be paid to the City of Visalia.
Summary:
The Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GKGSA) has approved the City of Visalia’s 2026-2027 Land Fallowing Program application for 138.91 field acres across five City‑owned parcels. The program supports regional groundwater sustainability objectives, advances compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and reduces overall groundwater extraction by compensating landowners who temporarily fallow qualifying acreage. The City will receive a fixed payment of $400 per acre, totaling $55,564, following successful verification of fallowing for the 2026-2027 program year.
Background Discussion:
Based on prior direction issued by the City Council in December 2023 to cease walnut farming operations on approximately 138.91 acres north of the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), the City has continued participating in the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GKGSA) Land Fallowing Program. This direction included removing the walnut orchard and evaluating long-term land use strategies compatible with Wastewater Treatment Plant operations.
The GKGSA has approved the City’s application to fallow the same 138.91 acres for the 2026-2027 program year, covering APNs 073-110-036, 073-110-049, 073-110-051, 073-110-068, and 103-100-052. The approved fallowing period extends from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Under the agreement, the City must eliminate all groundwater extraction on the enrolled lands, refrain from crop production, comply with verification inspections, and adhere to program requirements including dust mitigation planning.
The 2026-2027 program provides a fixed payment of $400 per acre, resulting in a total award of $55,564 to be paid to the City following successful compliance verification in December 2027 or January 2028. Participation in the program continues to support regional groundwater sustainability objectives, aligns with SGMA compliance, and advances the City’s long-term land management strategy.
Staff recommends continuing participation in the GKGSA Fallowing Program because it provides a stable funding source, reduces groundwater demand, and aligns with previously established Council direction and City operational needs
Fiscal Impact:
The farmland surrounding the Water Reclamation Facility (APNs 073‑110‑036, 073‑110‑049, 073‑110‑051, 073‑110‑068) is owned by the Wastewater Fund (431) and operated under the Farming Division (4344). Revenue generated from fallowing these parcels will be deposited in the Wastewater Fund. The acreage associated with APN 103‑100‑052 is owned by the General Fund (001) and Storm Sewer Deficiency Fund (222). Revenue for this parcel will be allocated proportionally according to established fund ownership percentages. In total, participation in the 2026-2027 Fallowing Program will generate $55,564 in revenue for the City of Visalia.
Prior Council Action:
December 18, 2023 - Council directed staff to cease walnut farming operations on 138.91acres near the WRF
November 18, 2024 - Council approved the 2024-2025 Pilot Fallowing Program participation
October 20, 2025 - Council approved the 2025-2026 Fallowing Program contracts
Alternatives:
The Council may choose not to participate in the GKGSA 2026-2027 Fallowing Program. This alternative would forgo the $55,564 compensation and would not support regional groundwater sustainability objectives.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to sign the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency 2026-2027 Land Fallowing Program contracts for a combined 138.91 field acres in the total amount of $55,564 to be paid to the City of Visalia.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 09/08/2026
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - GKGSA 2026-2027 Approval Letter
Attachment 2 - GKGSA 2026-2027 Fallowing Program Contract
Attachment 3 - GKGSA 2026-2027 Fallowing Program Contract Exhibit A Landowner Application
Attachment 4 - GKGSA 2026-2027 Fallowing Program Contract Exhibit B Legal Description of Enrolled Lands - Maps of Enrolled Lands with APNs labeled
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
|
☐ Economic Vitality |
☐  Organizational Excellence |
☒ Fiscal Strength |
☒  Infrastructure & Growth |
☒  Quality of Life |