Nevada County Agriculture Hits Record High: What It Means for Water Quality

Nevada County’s agricultural economy reached an all-time high in 2024, with the total gross value of agricultural commodities excluding cannabis topping $28.5 million — a 17% increase from 2023, according to the County’s annual Crop and Livestock Report. 

When legal cannabis production is included, the county’s agricultural economy reaches nearly $40 million, underscoring the significant role agriculture plays in Nevada County’s economy and landscape.  

But these numbers also highlight an important question for watershed protection: How do we ensure this growing agricultural activity protects rather than degrades water quality? 

Cannabis: A Major Agricultural Sector 

Legal cannabis production in Nevada County generated an estimated $11.4 million in gross value in 2024. While market value decreased by 6% compared to 2023, acreage increased by 16%, with 185 active cannabis permits across the county, up from 175 the previous year. 

“Nearly everything costs more to grow or raise right now,” says Diana Gamzon, Executive Director of the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance. “But our small farmers remain incredibly resilient, weathering the ups and downs of a challenging market.” 

The cannabis industry now represents a substantial portion of Nevada County’s agricultural footprint, with 41.9 acres of total canopy size spread across outdoor, hoophouse, greenhouse, and indoor operations. The majority of operations are outdoor (98 permits) and hoophouse or greenhouse facilities (106 permits), with only 5 indoor operations. 

This expansion means more water use, more potential for sediment runoff, and more opportunities for pesticides and fertilizers to enter local waterways if operations are not managed responsibly. 

The Water Quality Challenge 

Agriculture and water quality are deeply interconnected. Every farm, ranch, vineyard, and cannabis operation in the Yuba River watershed has the potential to impact downstream water quality through: 

• Sediment runoff from bare soil during construction, cultivation, or erosion  
• Nutrient pollution from fertilizers entering streams and rivers  
• Pesticide contamination when chemicals are applied improperly or during rain events  
• Water diversions that reduce flows needed by fish and other aquatic life  
• Vegetation removal that destabilizes streambanks and increases erosion 

With Nevada County’s agricultural economy expanding — livestock values up 12%, timber harvest up 429%, and cannabis acreage increasing 16% — the cumulative impact on watershed health requires careful attention and science-based management practices. 

Growing Green: SYRCL’s Partnership with Cannabis Cultivators 

The South Yuba River Citizens League recognizes that responsible cannabis farmers want to protect the watershed that sustains their livelihoods. That is why SYRCL developed the Growing Green campaign, a voluntary partnership program that helps cannabis cultivators adopt practices that protect water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. 

Growing Green provides: 

• Technical assistance on erosion control, water management, and habitat protection  
• Educational workshops covering best management practices for watershed-friendly cultivation 
• Resources and guidance on complying with water quality regulations  
• Connection to conservation partners who can help with restoration and habitat enhancement 

The goal is to ensure cannabis cultivation happens in ways that protect the Yuba River watershed for everyone who depends on clean water — from downstream communities to threatened salmon and steelhead populations. 

The South Yuba River Citizens League works across all agricultural sectors because healthy agriculture and healthy rivers are not mutually exclusive. With proper planning and management, farms can thrive while protecting the watershed that sustains them. 

What You Can Do 

Whether you are a cannabis cultivator, livestock rancher, timber operator, or home gardener, you have a role in protecting water quality: 

• Learn about best management practices for your land use and implement erosion control, proper pesticide use, and water conservation measures. 

• Support local agriculture that prioritizes environmental stewardship by purchasing from farms and producers who demonstrate commitment to protecting natural resources. 

• Get involved in watershed protection by volunteering for restoration projects, attending community meetings on land use and water policy, or becoming a member of the South Yuba River Citizens League. 

Agriculture has been part of Nevada County’s identity for generations. As the industry grows and evolves, SYRCL is committed to ensuring that growth happens in ways that protect the watershed, support thriving fish and wildlife populations, and provide clean water for communities downstream. 

Learn more about Growing Green and SYRCL’s work with agricultural partners at https://yubariver.org/post-categories/issues-and-causes/growing-green/