There is a large, complex and dynamic set of linkages between agriculture and water. Irrigated agriculture makes a substantial contribution to the growth in agricultural production across many countries. Yet, agriculture can have significant impacts (both positive and negative) on water ecosystems, and both agriculture and water are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change. In most OECD countries, agriculture is the major consumer of water and a significant source of diffuse water pollution. While agriculture often suffers the most from droughts and floods, in the case of floods, it can also help reduce their impact on the rest of the.
