The state’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program was established to prevent agricultural runoff from polluting surface and groundwater. “This has been a long time coming,” said Kari Fisher, senior counsel and director of legal advocacy for the California Farm Bureau. The decision affects 75,000 acres in Northern California and is expected to save 186 farmers $112,500 per year in California State Water Resources Control Board fees, according to Fisher. “The scientific-based work with producers and UCCE farm advisers was instrumental in getting all three of the different subunits exempted,” said Coe, who also works as a field representative for the California Farm Bureau. “We continue to be involved and fight for our members.” — Christine Souza, Ag Alert, California Farm Bureau