New research from the University of Illinois shows extreme weather in one state can ripple through the entire U.S. food system. The study finds droughts and flooding reduce crop exports from producing states, forcing food manufacturers to shift suppliers and pay higher prices. Researchers point to the 2012 midwest drought, which cut grain production and drove up food costs. While the system is resilient, the study suggests stronger transportation networks, storage, and multi-state planning to protect America’s food supply.
