Scenario implications for land use planning

Product Information

The Irrigation Futures scenarios highlight that the future for agriculture is highly uncertain. Market preferences, competition and access, government policy, water availability, technology will all change and potentially place significant pressure on the viability of agricultural businesses. To stay competitive in a global market place, agriculture will need to be increasingly flexible and adaptable.

One element that will support the development of flexibility and adaptability in agriculture is appropriate land-use planning and zoning that allows businesses to adjust to changing conditions. In addition, increasing interest in ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, will potentially create opportunities and challenges for land-use planning.