Agriculture in Idaho plays a vital role in its economy, as discussed in the article “Idaho’s Crops: Production and Economic Impact“. With its abundant potato fields, wheat harvests, and barley production, this sector provides agricultural jobs and supports agricultural businesses in Idaho. This further boosts the state’s GDP and provides food to millions across the United States and beyond. However, there is another side to this story. Agriculture is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting sectors globally. Agricultural pollution in Idaho highlights the significant environmental challenges faced within the state.
While agricultural production supports Idaho’s economy, it also contributes significantly to environmental pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions (read about Idaho’s greenhouse gas emissions here). To truly understand Idaho’s agricultural landscape, let’s examine its ecological costs alongside its economic benefits.
Water Consumption in Agriculture:
Agriculture is the largest consumer of water resources in Idaho. Irrigating agricultural fields of potatoes, wheat, and barley requires huge amounts of water. According to an Idaho Farm Bureau Federation article in 2021, Idaho ranks No. 2 in the nation in withdrawing water for irrigation purposes. In numbers, almost 17 million acre-feet of water per year which is 97 percent of the water withdrawn in Idaho is used for agriculture. This high consumption reduces water availability for other sectors and impacts aquatic ecosystems.
Energy Consumption in Agriculture:
Idaho’s agriculture depends on electricity, natural gas, and diesel, and consumes a significant amount of energy resources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho farms use approximately 10% of the state’s electricity, primarily for irrigation systems and machinery.
Fuels like diesel are used in tractors, harvesters, and transport vehicles, while natural gas is essential for heating greenhouses and drying crops. Fertilizer production also consumes significant energy and adds to the overall footprint. Combined, these energy sources make agriculture a notable contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Idaho can cut its energy consumption and lower environmental impacts by transitioning to renewable energy like solar and wind energy. Additionally, energy-efficient irrigation technologies can further reduce electricity consumption while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Pesticides and Chemicals Consumption in Agriculture:
Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers play a vital role in crop production. However, their overuse causes land and aquatic pollution. These chemicals seep into soil and water and harm ecosystems and human health. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, runoff from agricultural land contributes to water pollution and algal blooms, which further threaten aquatic life.
Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the agriculture sector accounts for 10% of U.S. GHG emissions. In Idaho, dairy farms are major methane emitters due to livestock digestion and manure. Methane and nitrous oxide from farming are far more potent than carbon dioxide. These agricultural greenhouse gas emissions require innovative practices to reduce agriculture’s climate impact.
Conclusion:
Agriculture remains a major pillar of Idaho’s economy, providing food, jobs, and economic growth. However, its environmental costs cannot be ignored. From consuming water resources and vast amounts of electricity to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the agricultural sector’s impact on Idaho’s ecosystems is significant. Balancing economic benefits with ecological sustainability is essential for the state’s future.
By working more on agricultural development, and adopting more sustainable farming practices, Idaho can address agricultural pollution and greenhouse gas emissions effectively. Moreover, reducing resource consumption is another critical step for the Idaho government and farmers to achieve sustainability targets while meeting the state and nation’s agriculture needs.
Have any questions or want to know more about Agriculture in Idaho? Please reach out to the COBE Ethics Chair at COBEEthics@boisestate.edu. If you have an agri-business or want to become a future agripreneur with strong business skills, explore Boise State’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) undergraduate and graduate degree programs.