6 facts you should know about water use in agriculture

By Truke Smoor

Cargill’s global water lead

Every time you eat — whether it’s a simple salad or a hearty steak — you’re using water.

Not just the water in your drink, but also the gallons of water used to grow the food on your plate.

Agriculture and water use have a strong connection. As someone who works in sustainability for a food and agriculture company, I see this interplay every day.

Water is a limited resource. As the global population grows, the demand for water will only increase. This makes the use of water in agriculture not only an environmental issue, but also a food security issue.

Here are six important facts about how agriculture uses water and what we’re doing to make every drop count.

1. How much water is used for agriculture in the world? 70% of it.

How much water does agriculture use? Agriculture accounts for 70% of all freshwater use around the world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Water for agricultural use is essential for growing crops and raising livestock that help feed the world.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Agriculture uses a lot of water. It accounts for nearly 70% of all water used globally, according to the United Nations' World Water Development Report. The amount of water used in agriculture is essential for growing the crops and raising the livestock that feed the world.

But it also highlights the importance of using water in agriculture efficiently and responsibly. As global water resources become increasingly stressed, it’s more important than ever to find ways to protect and restore water without compromising food production.

What we're doing about it: At Cargill, we estimate 90% of our water footprint is in our supply chain. That’s why we're committed to improving water efficiency not only within but beyond our own operations. By investing in advanced irrigation systems, promoting water-saving agricultural practices and working closely with farmers, we’re helping ensure agriculture can continue to meet global food needs while using water more sustainably.

2. Water and climate change are linked

Water scarcity is becoming a growing challenge around the world.

Water scarcity is becoming a bigger problem worldwide, especially as climate change leads to more droughts and floods. 

Climate change affects where, when and how much water is available. These impacts vary by region and can harm the health of people and ecosystems. For example, only 0.5 percent of the Earth’s water is usable freshwater — and climate change threatens to shrink that supply. On top of that, about 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. About half the people in the world have faced severe water scarcity.

The agriculture industry, which relies on steady water supplies, is at the center of this challenge. Droughts can dry out crops, while floods can wash away soil, making the land less useful for future planting.

What we're doing about it: We’ve partnered with the Soil Health Institute to promote regenerative agriculture practices among farmers in North America. Regenerative agriculture practices like planting cover crops and reducing tillage not only improve soil health, but also help conserve water. This partnership aims to equip farmers with tools to help improve drought resilience, boost soil health and use water more wisely across thousands of acres.

3. The agriculture industry depends on clean water

Clean water is essential in agriculture. It helps impact the health of crops, animals and your food. (Photo courtesy of Ducks Unlimited.)

Yes, water is the foundation of agriculture. But not just any water will do. The quality of water directly impacts the health of crops, livestock and the entire agricultural ecosystem.

Clean water is essential because it ensures strong crop production, healthy animals and safe food. Polluted water can lead to lower yields and unsafe products — and can impact soil health. Plus, it can harm the environment and farming communities. In short, clean water keeps agriculture thriving and helps ensure we have safe, healthy food.

What we're doing about it:

• In Australia, we’re helping canola growers adopt sustainable agriculture practices that help contribute to improved water quality. These practices include responsible nutrient management, which can help reduce the need for fertilizers, minimizing the risk of water contamination from runoff into local lakes and streams.
• In the U.S., we’re partnering with Ducks Unlimited to protect North America’s wetlands, including the Ogallala aquifer. That includes working with farmers like Craig Drees to restore degraded wetlands known as “playa habitats” and protect natural resources. Craig and his family are working with the United States Department of Agriculture and Ducks Unlimited on water conservation projects that will help restore the natural flow of water on the landscape, create habitats benefiting waterfowl and wildlife, and enhance groundwater filtration as it flows through the aquifer. 

4. Healthy soils are key to good water management

Healthy soil with good soil moisture keeps water in, helping crops grow even in dry times.

When it comes to using water wisely, healthy soils are one of agriculture’s best friends. They act like sponges, soaking up and storing water. This makes farms more resistant to drought and reduces the need for extra watering, which conserves water and improves crop yields.

Regenerative agriculture practices, like cover crops and reduced tillage, play a vital role in improving soil health. Cover crops protect the soil and prevent erosion, while reduced tillage keeps the soil intact and maintains its moisture and structure. Helping farmers adopt these practices is essential for protecting and restoring water in agricultural supply chains and local communities.

What we're doing about it: 

• In 2023, our regenerative agriculture programs helped increase water supplies in our supply chains by approximately 3.4 billion liters and improved water quality by reducing pollutants by over 60 metric tons. 
• We’re working with farmers like Steven Flaig, who plants cover crops that can help conserve water resources as part of our Cargill RegenConnect® program. Since he started, Steven has noticed a difference in his crops. “It seems like the corn is holding longer because we didn’t disturb the ground,” Steven says. 
   

5. Water is essential for biodiversity

Wildlife like these white-faced ibises need access to clean water and healthy plants. (Photo courtesy of Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies.)

Water is closely linked to biodiversity — in other words, the variety of life in an area. Pollinators like bees and other wildlife need access to clean water and healthy plants.

Agricultural practices like sustainable grazing and responsible land management not only sequester carbon, but also help protect these water resources and support biodiversity.

What we're doing about it: What we're doing about it: We’re working with Global Water Challenge to support Audubon’s Gilmor Sanctuary, revitalizing a portion of the 3,600 acres of wetlands along the Great Salt Lake in the U.S. This project not only protects water resources but also creates diverse, healthy habitats for shorebirds and other wildlife. It includes removing invasive species, planting native grasses and involving volunteers in restoration activities — all of which contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

6. Better irrigation systems can help improve water use

Innovation in irrigation can help farmers improve crop production while also conserving water.

Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops to help them grow. Irrigating crops is crucial for agriculture, especially in areas where rainfall is scarce or unpredictable.

Innovations in irrigation systems are changing how and when farmers water their fields. Efficient irrigation techniques, like drip irrigation and advanced scheduling, help improve crop yields while saving water use and costs.

What we're doing about it: 

• We're partnering with Goanna Ag to introduce precision irrigation technology to cotton fields in the Mississippi Delta. This innovative technology combines sensors, satellite images, crop data and more to help farmers make informed decisions about when and how much to irrigate. The result: significant water savings.
• We’re offering long-term financing to corn producers in Mexico’s Sinaloa and Sonora states to adopt water-saving drip irrigation systems. These can reduce water use by up to 50% while increasing yields and lowering carbon emissions through precise fertilizer application. Early pilot results also show promise for improving farm profitability.

Our commitment to water sustainability

At Cargill, taking care of water is essential to ensure we can sustainably and responsibly produce enough food for the future. We’re committed to addressing water challenges through smart solutions and teamwork, focusing on both immediate improvements and long-term sustainability.

By 2030, our goals are to: 

• Implement water stewardship practices at all 68 priority facilities in our operations.
• Enable restoration of 600 billion liters of water and reduction of 5,000 metric tons of water pollutants in water-stressed regions.
• Enable improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation, reaching 500,000 people in priority communities.

Learn more about water sustainability at Cargill.
 

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