Water for food: Everyone’s challenge

Abstract

In the United States we have tremendous potential as a result of high yields and large-scale producers. The western part of the US corn belt produces more than 40% of the world’s corn and soybean. Despite problems and concerns, we expect that high yields will be maintained—even in the face of major shocks—and that our agricultural practices will have acceptable environmental effects. We know that climate change will have an impact, but, because we are resilient, there is the expectation that we will keep producing and feed ourselves. But without serious efforts to curb water use, this expectation may be wrong. And the situation in some countries in the developing world is dire. Collaboration and research are needed to overcome this.