Communicating climate change to farmers

Press release: 
24th November 2006
 
 
Peter Kendall and Jonathon Porritt confirmed today they will launch a new project 'Communicating climate change to farmers' at the Oxford Farming Conference on Wednesday 3rd January 2007.  The launch will take place at the end of the first day of the conference at Oxford Examination School and will be accompanied by a drinks reception. 
 
'Communicating climate change with farmers' is a project funded by Defra 's Climate Challenge Fund. It will be delivered by a partnership comprising Forum for the Future, the National Farmers Union and the Applied Research Forum, representing the seven agricultural and horticultural levy boards.
 
President of the NFU Peter Kendall said: "We're delighted to be launching this important project at the Oxford Farming Conference. Farmers have long been aware of changing weather conditions and how this impacts their livelihoods.  Climate change presents farmers with many new opportunities and this project will encourage them to understand how to mitigate these impacts".
 
Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future said: "Climate change cuts both ways with farmers, some real threats, but many opportunities too. This project will help farmers think about the likely impacts on their land and give them ideas for practical responses".
 
The project aims to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and how farmers can adapt to and mitigate these impacts.
 
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Editor's notes

Journalists wishing to attend the launch should contact Katie Zabel, project manager on 0207 3243670 to reserve their place in advance 

• The launch is a fringe event taking place at the Oxford Examinations School on Wednesday 3rd January at 4.45pm, after the first day of the Oxford Farming Conference, refreshments from 4.30pm
• The project is a partnership between Forum for the Future, the National Farmers Union and the Applied Research Forum
• The project is funded by Defra's Climate Challenge Fund, under the umbrella title of 'Tomorrow's climate, today's challenge' 
• More information can be found at: http://www.climatechallenge.gov.uk/whats_being_done/projects/forumforfuture/default.aspx
• Download a pdf of the introductory leaflet: Introduction to Climate Change Project    (512kb)

For all media enquiries please contact  Katie Zabel on 0207 324 3670 or 07739 460676 or email: k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk