Agriculture is dependent on a plentiful supply of quality water.
The potential impacts of agriculture on ground water and surface water quality are significant. As the industry continues to diversity and intensify, water will become an even more important issue for governments, industry and the public. The plenary session Monday, July 8th establishes the conference theme and launches scientific sessions and symposia. Sandra Postel, Director of the Global Water Policy Project in Cambridge, Massachusetts will discuss global aspects of water resources while Dr. Hans Schreier, Professor of Resource Management and Environmental Studies at the Institute for Resources and Environment and Department of Soil Sciences at the University of British Columbia will take a regional perspective. In the afternoon, a special symposium will examine the immediate and long-term effects of agriculture on water quality.