Impacts and Implications of Transformative Adaptation in Food Systems in Response to Severe Droughts

Understanding
how food systems should optimally respond to disruptions from severe droughts
is crucial for long-term sustainability.
This study measures the economic and environmental impacts of reconfiguring the
fresh vegetable supply chain in response to drought risks, focusing on the case
of fresh broccoli. Employing a scenario-based production-transportation model, we
find that total supply-chain costs and food miles might decrease with increased
drought severity in California, which is achieved through relocating and
expanding production to Eastern states. These results provide information
supporting effective sustainable adaptation strategies for the food system
under severe droughts. Our research highlights the importance of creating
market incentives and removing barriers for farmers to transition to alternative
crops, promoting resilience and sustainability in food systems.