Climate change: agriculture must play it's part

Defra

Agriculture is the second largest contributor of greenhouse gases, with two-thirds of nitrous oxide and almost half of methane emissions come from the industry's activities, Lord Bach, Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food said today.

But in addressing this global issue, farmers can benefit their farm businesses and their communities, he said.

Speaking at the 'Farming Without Fossil Fuels' conference at Barnes, London he said:

"We should look no further than the devastating floods and fires across Europe last year which hit agriculture, to bring home to us how critical it is to understand the science of these issues much more fully.

"There is generally a low level of awareness of climate change within the land management sector. For example, in a recent NFU survey only a third of farmers saw climate change as a threat to their business.

"There are three challenges for agriculture: contributing to a low carbon economy; mitigating direct emissions from agriculture; and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The revised UK Climate Change Programme, which we are aiming to publish soon, will address all three aspects."

Lord Bach said that climate change was the most serious long-term challenge the country faced and tackling it was a key priority for this government. It had been central to its objectives for the Presidencies of the EU and the G8 in 2005, and very real progress had been made.

He said that there were specific challenges for farmers and it would be the job of the Rural Climate Change Forum, co-chaired by Climate Change Minister Elliot Morley and Northern Irish farmer John Gilliland to act as a communications channel:

"For instance, agriculture and forestry have a big role to play in our aspirations for bioenergy. The recently announced Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation will provide further opportunities for farmers to consider new markets. The Task Force on Biomass, led by Sir Ben Gill, has now reported and brings a fresh, independent perspective to our understanding of the potential of biomass to contribute to the Government's renewable energy targets and farming, forestry and rural objectives. The Government has established a cross-departmental team to work on a detailed response to the Task Force.

"There are also opportunities for farmers to benefit from biogas production from methane. Almost half of UK methane emissions come from livestock so such technologies can reduce emissions and provide alternative sources of energy. This can reduce direct energy costs and surplus energy can be sold.

"Farmers and land managers also need to consider how they might best meet their responsibilities for reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions. There are positive actions which can be taken on farm that both reduce emissions and benefit the bottom line, such as optimising inputs of fuel or fertiliser. For example, a 5% reduction in the use of inorganic fertiliser use in England could reduce nitrous oxide emissions by the equivilant of 0.1 million tons of carbon, and have on farm cost savings."

Click here for a complete list of books about climate change