On March 3-4, approximately 30 irrigation professionals representing all facets of the irrigation descended on Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of the industry during the Irrigation Association's 2020 Washington, DC Fly-In.

 
Again this year, the IA partnered with the National Ground Water Association and the Water Quality Association to host the Water Resources Congressional Summit in conjunction with the IA's fly-in. This is the fourth year that the IA has co-hosted the summit along with the NGWA and WQA, according to the association. The summit brought in more than 100 water professionals from across the United States to highlight policies that affect the accessibility of clean water for all uses. During the summit, attendees heard from the Environmental Protection Agency's assistant administrator for water, David Ross, as well as congressional staff members and other water policy experts.

"This year marked the highest attendance we've ever had for a Washington, DC fly-in," said IA government and public affairs director John Farner. "I'm thrilled to see our membership so excited and dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation through sound policies and legislation."

In addition to the summit and congressional meetings, the IA co-hosted a water resources briefing with the NGWA for congressional staff on March 4. Focusing on agricultural water use and the effect of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on groundwater, more than 30 congressional staff members attended the briefing.

For more information about the Irrigation Association's advocacy efforts, go to www.irrigation.org.