Farmers in the delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers of California in the United States have agreed to cut their water usage by 25%, after state officials threatened to cut their water rights.

Urban residents in California have already had to cut water usage by a quarter amid severe concerns over the future of California’s water resources.

The state, which supplies over half of the nation’s fruit and vegetables, as well as 80% of the world’s almonds, is entering the middle period of its fourth year of severe drought, the worst seen since 1924.

After the law requiring that urban residents cut their water usage by 25% was announced, critics were outspoken in relation to farmers who were exempt from the restrictions.

Critics were especially outspoken about the fact that farmers are estimated to use 80% of the state’s water supply and yet contribute only 2% to its economy.

But the latest deal between farmers and California’s Water Resources Control Board is not just a sign of audible grumblings from urban residents. Rather it is a worrying sign that California’s drought is expected to worsen in the coming months and possibly years.

The agreement gives the farmers until 1 June 2015 to present plans for how they will make the cuts.