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Climate Change

 

 
Vegetable growers are climate change champions
 
2 January 2008

Press 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

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k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk
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