Download Helping farmers adapt to climate change

Helping farmers adapt to
climate change
Background
Information
Sheet
Climate change is a long-term, complex and serious challenge that will require government, business,
industry, scientists and the community to work to together to face the challenges it will present.
The projected impact of climate change on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, evaporation, water runoff and extreme events will affect agricultural enterprises at farm, industry and regional scales.
The government and research organisations are providing farmers and other agricultural enterprises with
information and assistance to prepare for these impacts.
Helping farmers understand climate change impacts and adapt practices
It is important, when planning for the future, for farmers and other agricultural enterprises to understand
the different impacts of climate change and where, necessary, start adapting their practices. The Tasmanian
Government has supported and established a number of initiatives to assist farmers and agricultural
enterprises understand climate change impacts and adapt to climate change.
•
The Climate Futures for Tasmania research project is the Tasmanian Government’s most important
source of climate change projections at a local scale. In addition to examining general climate
impacts such as rainfall and temperature, the project also analyses the impact of climate change
specifically on agriculture, water and catchments. Results from the project are available through
the Tasmanian Government’s Land Information System Tasmania (The LIST), providing farmers
and other agricultural enterprises with access to information on projected climate change impacts
at their local level.
•
The Climate Change Adaptation Unit has been established in the Tasmanian Government to
provide resources and information and coordinate programs and initiatives to assist farmers and
other agricultural enterprises in adapting to climate change.
•
The ClimateConnect grants and Earn Your Stars micro-grants programs have been established to
provide funds for projects and initiatives that help communities adapt to climate change impacts.
•
A significant investment is being made under Tasmania’s Innovation Strategy in the new Wealth
from Water Program, aimed at providing natural resource information, market and business support.
Commencing in late 2011 the three-year program will classify land according to its suitability for
various agricultural enterprises. It will provide farmers and potential investors in irrigated
agriculture with soil, climate, crop and enterprise information which is complemented by market
and business support tools – and thereby assist in a transition to producing high-value food and
agricultural products from irrigation. The first phase of the program is currently being trialled in the
Meander Valley.
www.dpac.tas.gov.au/climatechange
•
A $2million project has been established under Tasmania's Innovation Strategy to roll-out a statewide network of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) continuously operating reference
stations (CORS). This will assist farmers to adapt their farming practices and improve farm
efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.
•
The Farm Point online information portal provides information to assist farmers manage climate
variability and better understand the impacts of climate change. Tools such as MyFarm have also
been developed to enhance farmers’ skill in business planning and farm management.
•
In collaboration with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) and the three
Tasmanian Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) bodies, the Property Management
Systems Framework has been developed and implemented for Tasmania. This Framework assists
primary producers to meet challenges such as climate change through an integrated and whole-offarm business management approach. A drought module and climate change fact sheets have been
developed by several project partners to complement the Framework.
Where to from here?
Working with key partners including the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, the Department of
Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association the
Australian Government and local councils, the Climate Change Adaptation Unit will:
•
Provide information to farmers, other agricultural enterprises and agricultural consultants on the
projected impacts of climate change.
•
Undertake further analysis to determine how climate change will impact on a number of
Tasmania’s key agricultural sectors and regions, and where necessary develop adaptation plans
•
Develop regional and land-use adaptation plans, taking account of projected climate change
impacts.
•
Develop case studies of farmers and other agricultural enterprises that have already started to
adapt their farming practices as a result of a changing climate.
Where do I go to for more information?
For more information, go to:
•
The Tasmanian Climate Change Office’s website to access the Climate Futures for Tasmania
reports and results available on The LIST www.dpac.tas.gov.au/climatechange
•
The Farm Point website to access the online information portal to assist farmers manage climate
variability and better understand the impacts of climate change www.farmpoint.tas.gov.au
This information was developed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water
and the Environment.
CONTACT DETAILS
Tasmanian Climate Change Office
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Phone (03) 6270 5485
Email [email protected]