The Cost of Corn: Water and Climate Risks Facing U.S. Corn Production

Thanks to our Boston co-host, Jack Gregg, for a great report.  Fits well with a terrific radio show we recorded this week.






More than 80% of the nation's freshwater is used for agriculture. This finite resource is essential to grow key crops in our country, such as corn - which supports a mammoth agricultural sector comprised of farmers as well as food, meat and energy companies. However, three major factors threaten corn production: climate change, unsustainable water use and inefficient and damaging fertilizer practices. 

Ceres' new report, Water and Climate Risks Facing U.S. Corn Production: How Companies and Investors Can Cultivate Sustainability analyzes the risks facing U.S. corn production. The report provides recommendations for how corn-buying companies and their investors can catalyze more sustainable agricultural practices, while helping farmers preserve and enhance yields, and protect precious water resources. The research is accompanied by new data and interactive maps that highlight irrigation risks and nutrient pollution hotspots. 

Download the report, view the maps and read the key findings and recommendations at www.ceres.org/cornmaps. 

Portions of the High Plains aquifer, which supplies 30% of groundwater irrigation for America's crops, are projected to fail in as little as 25 years. This poses a big risk to the $9 billion annual corn crop that depends heavily on the aquifer for irrigation. Additionally, across the Midwest, nitrogen and phosphorus linked to excessive fertilizer use are polluting the Mississippi River and its tributaries, damaging fisheries, and contributing to the Gulf of Mexico's massive oxygen-depleted "dead zone". These are just a few reasons why major actors in our food supply chain need to implement change. 

Through their massive purchasing power, the companies that buy, process and sell the food we eat, along with their investors, have the power to raise the bar for sustainable water use in farming - starting with key commodities like corn. Some companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and General Mills, are beginning to do just that. But many more companies must join them in supporting farmers to adopt water-friendly practices - such as reduced tillage, cover-cropping and more efficient irrigation practices - that protect our agriculture and water resources for the long-term. 

Share these facts with your Twitter followers: $65B US #corn industry threatened by #climate & #H2O risks. Companies + investors can help! @CeresNews report & maps bit.ly/1mk4nhe   New @CeresNews report finds 87% of U.S. irrigated #corn grown in regions w/ extremely high or high #H2O stress bit.ly/1mk4nhe   Nearly 1/3 of US cropland is dedicated to #corn production facing #H2O #climate risks. New @CeresNews report + maps bit.ly/1mk4nhe