Vegetable growers are climate
change champions
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2 January 2008Press
release: Vegetable growers are climate change champions.
The latest survey results by Farming Futures <http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/>
find that 80 per cent of vegetable growers report they are already feeling the
impacts of climate change, and 87 per cent expect to be affected in the next
ten years.
In fact, vegetable growers are also showing how they
are part of the solution to climate change, by taking more action on farm to
adapt and mitigate climate change than any other sector. Growers report that
they are improving water management, drainage and energy efficiency.
Although climate change presents opportunities for
farmers and land managers - and 20 per cent of those surveyed cite new crop
opportunities as a climate change benefit; climate change also presents risks.
In 2007, growers have faced serious challenges from
the dry spring, new diseases and summer floods, highlighting the need to be
aware of, and manage these risks. By recognising their responsibilities and
taking action now, farmers and land managers can reduce risk and take
advantage of new business opportunities presented by climate change.
Growers are urged to use the
www.farmingfutures.org.uk <http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/>
website resources to find out how they can be part of the solution to climate
change and to speak with their farm advisers and agronomists for technical
advice and support.
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State said: "It is really
encouraging to see from the Farming Futures survey that awareness of climate
change among farmers is growing. I look forward to now seeing the industry go
further in recognising its responsibilities to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, and in turning awareness into practical action on the ground."
Peter Kendall, NFU President said: "Farming faces a
great threat with increasing, unpredictable weather and the effect climate
change is having on the environment across the world. This will impact on
global markets, as we have already seen. As farmers we cannot afford not to
rise to the challenges this presents, as well as reducing our own
environmental impact. Agriculture is uniquely placed to provide solutions to
the great issues of food, energy an environmental security and we need to see
coherent thinking from Government across its policy-making to ensure farmers
can prepare for the challenges that lie ahead."
Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, President of the CLA said:
"The Farming Futures survey results also show that 22 per cent of farmers want
to measure their on-farm emissions. The CLA's Calm calculator will soon offer
the opportunity of a freely available, on-line, business-based approach for
farms and estates to calculate their annual emissions and the carbon
sequestration of the key greenhouse gases associated with the activities of
land-based businesses.
"Land managers can then begin to understand, quantify
and manage greenhouse gas emissions and take advantage of the opportunities
that climate change presents."
David Caffall, Chief Executive of the AIC said:
"There are around 4000 professional FACTS advisers and BASIS agronomists
offering the latest advice. Many supply companies are running workshops to
assist their customers in achieving input efficiencies."
Graham Jellis, HGCA Research Director said: "These
results show that growers really are part of the solution. We need to see more
action now, so that farmers and growers can take advantage of the
opportunities that climate change presents, and prepare for the risks."
Farming Futures <http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/>
is a communications collaboration between the NFU, CLA, AIC, ARF, Defra and
Forum for the Future. It aims to raise awareness of the opportunities, risks
and responsibilities presented to farmers and land managers by climate change.
Farming Futures, which has recently secured £250,000
in funding from Defra's Secretary of State, will re-launch at the Oxford
Farming Conference on 3 January 2008.
- ENDS -
Notes to editors - Media
enquiries to Katie Zabel, project manager:
k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk
or 07739 460676
- Farming Futures is a communications collaboration
project between Forum for the Future, the NFU, CLA, AIC, ARF (on behalf of the
agricultural and horticultural levy boards) and Defra. - These results are the
latest in three surveys interviewingfarmers about climate change, 385 farmers
were questioned in eachsurvey.
- Agriculture contributes seven per cent of the UK's
green house gas emissions - comprising of: 67 per cent nitrous oxide, 37
percent methane and one per cent carbon dioxide.
- The re-launch will take
place on 3 January 2008 at 5pm at Oxford Farming Conference. To attend the
launch, please contact Katie Zabel, project manager:
k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk
or 07739460676
- Farming Futures secured
funding from Defra's Farming for the Future Programme in November 2007- For
further information, please see
www.farmingfutures.org.uk <http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/>
Katie Zabel Communications Officer
t +44 (0)20 7324 3670
f +44 (0)20 7324 3635
m +44 (0)7825 204 434
e
k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk
w forumforthefuture.org.uk
Overseas House
19-23 Ironmonger Row
London EC1V 3QN
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