West Midland growers are being invited to attend a free workshop to discuss the risks and opportunities climate change presents to their businesses.

Organised by Farming Futures, in partnership with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the event, at Wolford College in Shropshire on September 24, will focus on: the regional impacts of climate change; what farmers can do now to prepare their businesses; and the opportunities provided by renewable energy.

To register, call: 0207 324 3670.

A recent survey by Farming Futures found that 62 per cent of West Midland’s farmers believe they are already affected by climate change and 75 per cent expect to be affected in the next 10 years. Although 56 per cent see climate change as a risk to their business, nearly a quarter of interviewees feel that climate change presents more opportunities than risks. Forty per cent of the region’s farmers are already taking action to adapt to the impacts of climate change on their farm. “Although this figure is encouraging, it is lower than other regions, so clearly more needs to be done,” said Farming Futures.

The regional events aim to provide ideas on how to adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate change, whilst reducing cost and risk in the future.

Farmers can also join online discussions on the Farming Futures Facebook page. Claire Wyatt, Farming Futures project manager, said: “Farming Futures is a great resource for farmers, land managers and their advisors who are worried about or interested in finding out more about the opportunities and risks that climate change brings.

“Our Farming Futures events, fact sheets and case studies give ideas about how to take practical action to prepare your business now for the impacts of climate change.”

Farming Futures is an industry-led collaboration project between the NFU, CLA, AIC, AHRF, Forum for the Future and DEFRA, to communicate practical action on climate change.

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