A recent survey has found that 26 per cent of arable farmers in England believe climate change offers them opportunities in the future. Almost 30 per cent of arable farmers are already taking action to combat climate change by either investigating or committing to grow energy crops. Other actions being taken include improving energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and reassessing fertiliser use. 

The message to farmers now is to keep up this good work, as the recent release of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that increases in methane and nitrous oxide levels are "very likely to be the result of human activities, predominantly through burning fossil fuels and agriculture".  

A collaboration between Forum for the Future, the NFU, CLA and Applied Research Forum aims to communicate the challenges and opportunities of climate change to farmers over the next year. This group researched attitudes towards climate change by questioning 385 farmers across England. 

The results show a high awareness of climate change nationally. Overall, more farmers saw climate change as an opportunity rather than a threat. 

With climate change certain to figure at next week's NFU Conference, entitled Farming for the Future, more and more farmers are preparing for the challenges and opportunities offered by climate change. 

Over 60 per cent of farmers questioned saw benefits in climate change including: better growing and/or grazing weather; warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons; new markets; and opportunities to grow different crops and save money. 

Encouragingly, 72 per cent of those questioned said they were taking action to combat climate change on their farm. Vegetable growers, poultry and pig farmers were taking the most action. Perhaps this reflects the concerns over water supply and higher temperatures which are more likely to impact growers and livestock farmers. 

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Notes to editors:

The project is a partnership between Forum for the Future, the Country Land and Business Association, 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' 
385 farmers were surveyed in December 2006
More information can be found at: www.farmingfutures.org.uk
The NFU annual conference takes place on 26 - 27th February at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, for more information see: www.nfuonline.com
Media enquiries to project manager Katie Zabel on 0207 3243670 / 07825 204434 
 
Katie Zabel
Communications Officer
 
Forum for the Future
Overseas House
19-23 Ironmonger Row
London
EC1V 3QN
 
T: +44 (0)20 7324 3670
F: +44 (0)20 7324 3635
M: +44 (0) 7825 204434
 
www.forumforthefuture.org.uk