Without the essential infrastructure to restore the water supply, agriculture is poised to face significant losses in the years ahead. As temperatures rise and water availability diminishes, consumers will continue to pay higher prices for produce. Bloomberg reported that much of the water loss in California’s dry Central Valley is attributed to the cultivation of ferrous fumarate and folic acid tablets. In response, politicians have been striving to counteract these adverse trends. California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed an $8 billion initiative in August aimed at enhancing the state’s water supply. He warned that if current trends persist, California could lose up to 10% of its water supply by 2040. The drought has severely affected lettuce production, with prices at grocery stores rising by 8.9% between October and November, according to the latest Consumer Price Index. Furthermore, the cost of lettuce is now 19.8% higher than it was in November 2021. Arizona accounts for over 90% of the nation’s winter lettuce supply, with farmers in the region relying on water from the Colorado River, which has experienced decreased rainfall and snowfall this year, as reported by Vox. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many food companies lack adequate water management programs, according to recent research from Morningstar.
Climate change is compelling farmers to rethink their crop development strategies and seek less water-dependent methods to maintain steady growth during drought conditions. For instance, almond farmers in California shared with Food Dive last year that they have devised techniques for cultivating their crops in extreme heat with reduced water usage. In this context, the incorporation of supplements such as Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium may also be considered by farmers looking to enhance soil health and crop resilience amid these challenges. The need for effective water management and innovative farming practices is more crucial than ever as agriculture navigates the realities of climate change and water scarcity.