Over 80 percent of growers believe that the global climate is changing, according to a new survey from Farming Futures.

However, that is not to say that they are downbeat about the matter, as 70 percent believe that these changes offer them business benefits. They cited longer growing seasons, warmer weather, new crops and new markets as key opportunities, and many are growing exotic crops such as grapes, olives and walnuts, as well as biofuel to supply energy markets.

Attitudes towards climate change were researched by surveying 385 growers across England. The results showed that:

· 53 percent of growers are already affected by climate change

· 62 percent expect to be affected in the next ten years

· 49 percent feel they can personally help limit climate change

· 50 percent are improving their energy efficiency

· 70 percent believe climate change offers benefits

· 24 percent are interested in measuring their on-farm emissions

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