The Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin adjudication, which began its Los Angeles County Superior Court hearings in January, will continue without Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms. Initiated in 2021, the adjudication aims to determine the water extraction limits from the basin, one of California's 21 critically overdrawn basins. The basin's state-required sustainability plan demands a 60% reduction in water use over two decades. This lawsuit triggered a boycott and petition against the carrot-growing companies by Cuyama residents.
Although Bolthouse and Grimmway exited the lawsuit in August and November, the remaining plaintiffs are valley landowners and not associated with either agricultural corporation. These include Lapis Land Company LLC, Ruby Land Company LLC, Diamond Farming Company, and Bolthouse Land Company LLC. According to California secretary of state business filings, these companies have connections to the Grimm family and Bolthouse Properties.
Grimmway Farms stated its withdrawal from the adjudication was due to lack of support and a desire to maintain relationships with valley farmers. Bolthouse Farms echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing its commitment to positively impacting the land and its people.
Despite the corporations' departure, Cuyama residents will continue their boycott and petition, which has collected over 9,100 signatures as of January 24.
Source: newtimesslo.com