The California State Water Resources Control Board convened the Second Statewide Agricultural Expert Panel in August 2025 to review the science behind how farms manage and report nitrogen under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP). The Panel evaluated nitrate leaching, which occurs when nitrate from applied fertilizers moves below plant roots and into groundwater, and identified farming practices that can reduce this risk. Its final report provides recommendations that the State Water Board and regional water boards may use to shape future water-quality requirements for California farmers.
Why did CCOF engage?
CCOF recognizes that regulatory reporting can be costly and complex, and advocates for approaches that reduce regulatory burden for our members. During the Panel process, the CCOF policy team shared strategies that give regulators practical ways to recognize organic farming practices that protect groundwater while reducing duplicative reporting requirements for organic growers.
CCOF recommended an alternative compliance pathway for organic producers using low-leaching practices identified by the Panel, including building soil organic matter through cover cropping, crop residue incorporation, and the use of organic amendments.
We also recommended using the Organic System Plan (OSP) and organic certification process to verify those practices, rather than asking farmers to provide the same information through a new reporting system.
What does the final report say?
The final report recognizes that organic, regenerative, and diversified farms may reduce nitrate-leaching risks through their farming practices. It also identifies the OSP as a possible tool for verifying soil-building practices, reflecting CCOF’s recommendation.
This is an encouraging step, and CCOF will continue to advocate for policies that recognize organic growers who use practices that build healthy soil and protect groundwater.
What happens next?
The State Water Board and regional water boards may use the Panel’s recommendations to inform future ILRP decisions.
How can you get involved?
Grower experience will be important as the Water Boards consider the Panel’s recommendations. If you use cover crops, crop rotations, organic amendments, soil testing, or other practices that help reduce nitrogen losses, we want to hear from you.
Share your experience with the CCOF Policy Team by contacting Jessica Gonzalez en jgonzalez@ccof.org and watch for future policy updates and opportunities to engage in the CCOF weekly e-newsletter.
