California Governor Jerry Brown is defending his decision to exempt farmers from most mandatory water restrictions, as a historic drought worsens in the far western U.S. state.
Brown told ABC television's "This Week" public affairs program Sunday that California farmers are "providing most of the fruits and vegetables of America to a significant part of the world."
But he said he may re-examine a century-old state law that allows California farmers to pay less for water than everyone else. He called that system "archaic."
The governor imposed mandatory water restrictions on homes and businesses across the entire state last week as the drought enters its fourth year. Most of the state is in what experts call an exceptional drought. Those who violate the rules could face large fines.
A new report issued the day after Mr. Brown signed his executive action warns that California is facing billions of dollars of losses due to climate change by 2050, as coastal property disappears under rising sea levels, while its agricultural lands grow dry from increasing temperatures and continued drought.