Introduction to "American Agriculture, Water Resources, and Climate Change"

We highlight the role of agriculture in the American economy and society over time; point to farmer historical and contemporary responses to varying climatic conditions; indicate the importance of water as an input to agricultural production; identify possible impacts of climate change on access to water; and briefly summarize 11 papers on these topics.
Agriculture has been critical in development of the American society and economy. Except in parts of the US West, water access has not been a critical constraint in agriculture. But this is changing. With climate change water supplies are apt to be much more problematic in most parts of the country, affecting agricultural production and rural populations. Fortunately, the wide range of spatial climatic conditions encountered affecting water access as settlement and production moved across the continent, provides valuable insights to contemporary climate change. In the research briefly summarized below, focus is on farmer interpretation of available climatic data; their reactions and related investments; potential externalities; and institutional/coordination challenges posed by efforts to secure water.