Water issues loom large for growers
Water is a non-negotiable requirement for crop production, and almost half of growers responding to The Packer’s 2022 Sustainability Insights Survey show concern about sufficient water for crop production. Answering the question, “How concerned are you, if at all, about access to sufficient water for crop production?” growers said:
- Extremely concerned: 28%
- Very concerned: 20%
- Not at all concerned: 16%
- In a follow-up question about the timetable for negative consequences of reduced water availability, approximately one-quarter report being negatively impacted by lack of available water now.
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Answering the question, “How soon do you think your operation could be negatively impacted because of lack of available water for crop production?” growers responded:
Steps to save water
Steps to preserve water are being widely employed by growers, according to The Packer’s survey. If fact, close to 40% reported using a drip irrigation system, according to the survey. Asked, “What are you doing to address concerns about water availability?” growers responded:
