the impact of virtual water trade on global water use

"Virtual water refers to the volume of water used to produce agricultural commodities. When these commodities enter the world market, trade in virtual water takes place. Countries importing agricultural commodities essentially purchase water resources from exporting countries, thereby saving water they would otherwise have required... This report, analyzing the impact of international cereal trade on the global water use, argues that the role of virtual water trade in global water use is modest... Although the potential of trade to reduce water use may seem large—on paper—one should be careful when concluding that trade plays—or will play—an important role in global water scarcity mitigation." -- from Authors' SummaryNon-PRIFPRI5EPT