The Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, named four newly elected members of the IA Board of Directors.
These directors started their terms at the conclusion of the 2023 Irrigation Show and Education Week and joined the 11 other members who are continuing their terms from previous years. The IA Board is made up of 15 elected leaders in the irrigation industry.
The IA welcomes these new leaders to the board and the association. Their contributions are essential to the IA’s work to elevate the impact and value of the industry and create an environment where irrigation businesses can thrive and grow.
“Our four new directors bring highly respected experience and expertise to the IA Board,” says IA CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “I look forward to the insights and contributions each of them brings to the IA Board as we carry out our mission to be the recognized authority in efficient irrigation. We appreciate the commitment these industry leaders provide to the IA and its members and their efforts to further the industry and association’s long-term sustainability and growth.”
The IA Board of Directors is tasked with establishing the association’s strategic direction, policies and programs. Directors are nominated and elected each year by members of the association and represent the diversity of member types and market segments.
To learn more about the IA Board of Directors and view the complete roster, visit www.irrigation.org/boardofdirectors.
The IA’s fly-ins provide the opportunity for industry leaders to join IA staff to head to Capitol Hill to meet with key decision-makers to advance priorities. Past fly-ins have included impactful discussions with policymakers on topics including the farm bill, H-2B labor issues and drought impact.
Visit irrigation.org and watch for information about the 2024 IA Fly-In, happening in March.
The Irrigation Association signed on to a letter addressed to congressional leaders advocating for the extension of three tax policies.
The association was joined by more than 1,000 other businesses representing a diverse group of industries across the country.
The letter specifically urges Congress to take immediate action to extend three tax policies: immediate research and development expensing, a pro-growth interest deductibility, and standard and full expensing.
“Although legislation has been introduced in both chambers in support of these policies, Congress must act immediately to extend these competitive tax policies. Failing to do so will put hundreds of thousands of family-supporting jobs, cutting-edge innovation and pro-growth investments in America at risk,” the letter reads.
The Irrigation Association submitted comments to the California State Water Resources Control Board regarding its proposed regulatory framework known as Making Conservation a California Way of Life.
The IA has raised concerns over the proposed Landscape Efficiency Factor standards for various landscapes, citing financial burdens and practical challenges in achieving these targets. The letter states concerns regarding assumptions about effective precipitation in the state’s water budget, suggesting that real-time data through smart irrigation controllers would be more accurate.
“Available technology such as smart irrigation controllers and on-site sensors, which adjust to real-time data, offer a more precise solution than assuming effective precipitation based on historical averages that don’t reflect current or microclimate conditions,” says Nathan Bowen, Irrigation Association advocacy and public affairs vice president.
The letter also points out concerns about the costs and regulatory burdens of the proposal, especially on economically disadvantaged communities. The association calls for equitable access to reclaimed water and upgraded irrigation systems. They urge the board to consider the operational impact on irrigation professionals and to support education, training and water recovery programs.
“The potential costs and regulatory burdens of this proposal, especially on economically disadvantaged communities, are a significant concern,” adds Bowen. “We’re urging the board to consider the financial implications and explore equitable solutions that don’t disproportionately impact these populations.”
The letter also reads that the board should consider the role that qualified irrigation and landscape professionals will have in implementing the regulation and to ensure they are a part of the regulatory process.
“Through proactive engagement and shared expertise, we can craft a regulation that promotes conservation and supports the growth and vitality of the green industry in California,” says Bowen.
The Irrigation Association will open its application portal for the 2024 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra scholarship program in January.
The program is open to students at two- and four-year institutions of higher education pursuing irrigation-related degrees and careers and provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 awarded based on the candidate’s letter of intent, financial need, resume, list of irrigation courses and letters of reference.
To view all program requirements, learn about the application process and see a list of previous winners, visit irrigation.org.
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