Farmers warn of growing impact of climate change

British farmers are adding to the pressure on world leaders to agree a new climate treaty in Paris this month, as the industry reports a rise in severe weather events impacting production.

Members of the National Farmers Union are calling for more investment in sustainable farming methods, in response to the growing challenge posed by global warming.

The organisation claims that two thirds of its farmers have seen an increase in flooding and other extreme weather in recent years, highlighting the urgent need to boost the UK’s agricultural resilience.

Vice President Guy Smith said a number of members have already adapted their practices in response to climate change. But he said more than half of farmers were paying the emotional and financial cost of volatile conditions, and ministers must do more to support them.

“From time immemorial farmers have always battled with the weather when it comes to producing food, but if climate change projections are correct then this battle is going to get more challenging,” he said.

“Our members are altering what they do in response to the changes in the weather and longer-term climate that they are experiencing. However we’re moving into uncharted climatic territory.

“This is why we want Government to work with British farmers to develop an ambitious food and farming strategy, rewarding investment in climate resilience so that we can fulfill our substantial production potential for an increasingly uncertain future.”

The call to action coincides with a Farmers’ Day event at this month’s UN climate conference in Paris. The COP21 summit is an opportunity for more than 130 political leaders to agree a strategy to keep the rise in global temperatures below 2C.

It also coincides with the release of a new survey by the NFU detailing the impact of changing weather patterns on the sector. The study reveals that two thirds of farmers have experienced an increase in extreme weather events over the last decade, with 57% reporting damage to their business and 10% reporting damage to buildings as a result.

This has prompted roughly 14% of livestock farmers to alter their practices – reducing stocking levels for instance – while 13% of arable farmers say they have changed either what or how they grow.

Mr Smith said these figures were “very worrying”. “This news comes as a stark reminder that agriculture is on the front line of climate change impacts,” he said.

“Investment in better buildings, better land drainage and better irrigation can make farms more resilient in the face of tempest, flood and drought.

“But the food chain must support profitable farming in order to enable such agricultural adaptation – backed by Government setting the right regulatory regime, such as allowing farmers access to water so they are prepared for times of drought.”