Agave has been a commercially successful crop with low water inputs in other regions of the world. Economically growing agave across CA would address priorities for the agriculture industry, especially climate vulnerable farming communities in the Central Valley.
A drought-tolerant and low-water crop such as agave can expand economic opportunities for California by building climate resilience. Proof of concept agave farming data exists that demonstrates economically viable yields and extremely low water usage (less than one-tenth used for tree crops). California growers and their communities, who are impacted by climate change driven volatility in available irrigation water, can maintain or grow local jobs through adaptation of their crop portfolio.