Climate Change and the Future of Agriculture

Archived

Wednesday, 29 March 2006

Following yesterday’s publication of the Government’s Climate Change Review, Farming Today looked at the impacts of climate change on farmers. In the south east, which already receives low rainfall (lower per capita than Jerusalem), extended periods of drought are already affecting arable farmers – with many building on-farm reservoirs to store what rain does fall, as well as shifting to drip irrigation systems from the more wasteful ‘rain-guns’.

The review also examined agriculture’s role in adding to climate change. For the UK overall, farming and forestry contribute directly to just 7% of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly as methane and nitrous oxide (primarily from animal manure and artificial fertilisers). According to the Review, emissions from agriculture fell by 22% over 1990-2004. The government is providing £10-15 million for promoting biomass heating systems in England and maintaining the obligation on fuel companies to supply 5% of their total mix as biofuels. An emissions trading scheme for farmers is also mooted.