Climate change risk management instruments in agriculture Proposal for the Lithuanian case study (WP4)

LITHUANIA Panevėžys regions is one of the biggest region in the country, its territory is 2,2 thous. sq. km. Region is a sparsely neighboured place: in 1 sq. km approximately are 20 residents. Population of this region – 43 thous. citizens. Region does not have its own administrative centre and is influenced by Panevėžys city.

Economic profile of Panevėžys region is determined by these conditions: Roads and network of highways are rational and in excellent conditions; Activities in agriculture are predominant; Level of industry is low (small enterprises dominate).

No one has more to lose — or gain — from our climate crisis than farmers. Agricultural producers have demonstrated their ability to adapt to changes in climate and other factors in the past, and they will continue to adapt in the future. However, the key question for agriculture is whether adaptation will be predominantly planned or reactive.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture has the aim to create powerful and cost effective instruments to manage risks in agriculture related to the climate change. Climate risk management strategies tended to fall into three main areas: Financial instruments; Technology adoption; Product diversification.

The case study will include: Evaluation how support measures help farmers to mitigate climate impact; Farmers’ need of new risk management tools evaluation: ex ante - more adapted seeds, irrigation systems, better farm advisory services etc.; ex post - innovations in insurance, more and improved funding for social assistance programs targeted for smaller and poorer farmers, etc. Proposals for Government concerning climate risk management strategy in agriculture.

Methods used in the implementation case – survey and questionnaire research methods

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