A new survey out today finds 81 per cent of farmers believe that the global climate is changing, and 70 per cent believe that these changes offer them business benefits. 

The survey by Farming Futures finds more farmers in England now believe climate change is of benefit to their business. Farmers cited longer growing seasons, warmer weather, new crops and new markets as benefits. And many are growing exotic crops such as grapes, olives and walnuts, as well as biofuel to supply energy markets, showing that they see climate change as an opportunity rather than a threat to their business.  

Attitudes towards climate change were researched by surveying 385 farmers across England. This is the second of three surveys undertaken by Farming Futures and it found:

• 53 per cent of farmers are already affected by climate change
• 62 per cent expect to be affected in the next ten years
• 49 per cent feel they can personally help limit climate change
• 50 per cent are improving their energy efficiency
• 70 per cent believe climate change offers benefits
• 24 per cent are interested in measuring their on-farm emissions
   

Peter Kendall, President of the National Farmers Union said: "Our message to farmers now is to keep up the good work. We know that over 60 per cent are taking action on their farm to combat climate change. But this is no time to be complacent - there is still more to be done. 

"The climate is central to the success of our businesses and our industry. Adapting to and mitigating climate change is about reducing risk and costs, not just about saving the planet."

The impacts of climate change will alter geographically but the UK is likely to experience warmer, wetter winters, fewer frosts and more frequent, extreme weather events such as storms and floods.
 
David Fursdon, President of the Country Land and Business Association, said: "Farmers are more aware than most of the impacts of climate change.  Although action to combat climate change could help to reduce on-farm costs, a relative lack of adaptive action could be a concern as the impacts of change increase in the future. 

"We're already experiencing some benefits, but the risk of increasingly drier summers and intense rain means our farmers need to plan now for the challenges ahead". 

Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future said: "Farmers, like other businesses, are beginning to realise that adapting to and mitigating climate change is crucial to the success of their business. 

"Reluctance to adapt could become a concern as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, so it's important to remember that actions to combat climate change also help to reduce on-farm costs." 

Survey results, case studies and fact sheets on how climate change is expected to affect different farming sectors, and suggestions on adaptations and mitigations can be found on: www.farmingfutures.org.uk

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Notes:
Enquiries to Katie Zabel on 020 7324 3670 / 07825 204434 / k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk
Farming Futures  is a collaboration between Forum for the Future, the NFU, CLA and the seven levy boards (via the Applied Research Forum) aims to communicate the challenges and opportunities of climate change to farmers.

The project is funded by Defra's Climate Challenge Fund.
Sector specific fact sheets, case studies and news can be found on: www.farmingfutures.org.uk

Visit us at the Defra, NFU, CLA and HGCA stands at the Royal Show on 1 - 4 July www.royalshow.org.uk