Oil Production and Agriculture in Kern County

California is a major oil-producing state, with Kern County at its center. The region also produces a significant portion of America's food, leading to a complex relationship between agriculture and oil. Farmers like Keith Gardiner face challenges from oil companies over land use, often leading to conflicts. Environmental issues, such as water contamination, have also arisen, affecting local agriculture.

What is California's rank in oil production in the United States?

• First

• Second

• Fourth

• Third

What percentage of America's food is produced by the Central Valley?

• 50%

• 25%

• 75%

• 10%

What is the relationship between oil and agriculture in Kern County described as?

• Harmonious

• Tenuous

• Non-existent

• Competitive

In Kern County, who typically owns the minerals beneath the land?

• The government

• The oil companies

• The surface landowners

• The farmers

What is a common reaction of farmers when oil companies want to drill on their land?

• They welcome it

• They negotiate for better terms

• They sue the oil companies

• They often feel pressured to agree

What is one of the main concerns for farmers regarding oil production?

• Increased taxes

• Water contamination

• Loss of land ownership

• Decreased crop prices

What did Keith Gardiner and Holly King notice about their trees?

• They were unaffected by oil production

• They were not healthy

• They were growing faster

• They were producing more fruit

What was found in the water that affected the almond trees?

• High levels of nitrates

• High levels of salts and chlorides

• Low pH levels

• High levels of pesticides

How many almond trees did the farmers have to remove due to damage?

• 1,000

• 10,000

• 5,000

• 8,000

What is suspected to be the cause of the water contamination?

• Pesticide use

• Excessive rainfall

• Oil production activities

• Natural soil erosion