A survey by Farming Futures has found that growers in the UK horticulture sector are more likely than any other farming sector to be taking action to adapt to climate change.
Improving on-farm energy efficiency and water management are key measures that many UK growers are already embracing to reduce costs and the future impacts of climate change.
The survey results released today also found that half of England’s growers are already affected by climate change, and almost two thirds expect to be affected in the next 10 years. Nearly half see climate change as a risk, with 25 per cent recognising the potential opportunities for the sector.
Katie Zabel, Farming Futures project manager said: “The survey results show that English farmers are already affected by climate change, and they are starting to take action to both adapt their businesses, and reduce their own impacts.
“Climate change will affect us all, so for farmers and land managers to continue running successful, sustainable businesses in future, they need to think about on-farm adaptation and mitigation action. English farmers and land managers really are part of the solution to climate change. That’s why we’re inviting them to a series of on-farm workshops throughout the year, and have produced fact sheets and case studies on www.farmingfutures.org.uk. Taking action now can help reduce costs and risks in the future.”
Farming Futures is an industry-led collaboration project between the National Farmers' Union, Country Landowners' Association, Forum for the Future, Defra and other agencies to communicate practical action on climate change.
Full survey results are on the Farming Futures website, and are aimed at helping growers and land managers, as well as other farmers and their advisers, with practical ideas to make their businesses more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Other highlights from the survey are that 41 per cent of those interviewed are already growing new or different crops and 36 per cent say they are benefiting from milder, warmer weather, with 21 per cent expecting benefits from long growing seasons. However, only 14 per cent are optimistic of better pricing, and 12 per cent are looking at new markets.
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