The Agriculture and Horticulture Development board (AHDB) is urging farmers to future-proof their business for changing weather patterns.
The Climate Change Adaptation report assesses the risk and opportunities from climate change that will most affect AHDB levy payers.
Rachael Madeley-Davies, the head of environment at AHDB, said: “The UK is experiencing less predictable seasons and more frequent and intense weather events.
“Agriculture is especially vulnerable to these changes because it is directly dependent on the climate, as well as relying on natural assets like soils interacting with complex biological systems.”
The report outlines how climate change could impact agriculture across multiple temperature increase scenarios between now and 2100, and suggest changes farmers could make to protect their business.
The risk of flooding has been highlighted as a high-priority area by the AHDB and farmers are being encouraged to assess the impact of increased rainfall on their land.
The Met Office UK climate projections 2018, suggest that by mid-century, there will be around a 20% increase in heavy rainfall, with average rainfall around 5% higher than the 1981–2000 average.
Madeley-Davies added: “Many farmers are already aware of the risks caused by flooding, but it’s important this becomes a focus for all. Farmers need to identify any risk areas to their farm in order to future-proof their business.”
Ensuring that soil remains permeable and minimising compaction is an easy win for farmers in terms of soil health, and adapting to managing increased rainfall and flooding implications on farmland.
This could include practical steps such as aeration, minimal tillage, and utilising deep-rooted varieties such as festulolium, cocksfoot, and clovers, the AHDB said.
The areas identified at highest risk of impact caused by climate change are:
- Assets – Extreme rainfall and flooding leading to waterlogging and soil erosion; damage to farm buildings and equipment;
- Productivity – Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, drought, high rainfall and flooding impacting on livestock and crops.
According to the report, the risks posed to these areas are critical now and could have a significant impact on food production.
As well as risks, the report also highlights opportunities for farmers and growers, such as the chance to grow new crops and lowering of feed and energy costs that come with less reliance on housing livestock if winters are warmer.
The report forms part of the government’s National Adaptation Reporting Power programme fourth round (ARP4). The programme assesses the UK’s planning and resilience to climate change and feeds into the next Climate Change Risk Assessment for the Climate Change Committee (CCC).
