During the farm bill reauthorization this year, farmers want to protect their support programs including crop insurance. By contrast, environmentalists want to see a stronger emphasis on conservation. American Farmland Trust is an organization focused on preserving farms, farmland and promoting environmentally sound practices. It has issued a report warning that climate change puts non-irrigated land at risk as increased periods of drought are expected. U.S. agriculture’s use of ground and surface water has been relatively stable. Arid areas of the west are steady users whereas most of the central and eastern part of the country grows rain-fed crops. The total area being farmed has declined and consequently so have water withdrawals...

TAGS – Farm Inputs, North America