The impact of climate change has been revealed in a survey by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).
Its survey of 300 farmers found that in the past five years, 86% have been hit by extreme rainfall, 78% by drought and over half by the impacts of heatwaves. Only 2% have not experienced extreme weather in some form.
When asked what impact recent extreme weather has had on their farms, 87% cited reduced productivity, 84% have witnessed a reduction in crop yields or livestock output, whilst three quarters have seen their incomes reduced.
Commenting on the research, Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said: “Farmers are on the front line of climate change and this research reveals what impact that is having on them and their businesses. From lost crops and livestock to soil erosion, farmers are battling these impacts across more fronts than most with repeated heatwaves, droughts and periods of extreme rainfall all taking a toll on farmer confidence.
“Beyond farmers, the scale of these climate impacts also calls into question the UK’s food security in the face of climate change driven extreme weather. We need to be taking these risks more seriously, with more support for farming to adapt and build resilience, as well as more urgent action to help farmers reduce their own emissions.”
The research comes shortly after Defra confirmed a billion pound hit to arable farmers after last year’s unprecedented extreme wet winter and growing fears for this harvest.
In response to these impacts, the ECIU survey found over two thirds of farmers have changed how they farm, including what they farm, or by joining an environmental scheme and investing in diversification. Over 30% are also ‘highly concerned’ about their ability to make a living from the farm in the future due to climate change, with 50% somewhat concerned.
When asked about the ability of the next generation to make a living, the proportion highly concerned rises to two in five, leaving over four fifths concerned about the impact of climate change on the next generation’s ability to farm, fuelling wider worries about the future of farming following last year’s Budget.
