What Do Farmers Need to Adapt to Climate Change? Debra Pretty-Straathof - Introductions Presentation to the World Farmers’ Organisation’s Annual General Assembly: Farmers Growth May 4, 2016

Manure Composter separating liquids from solids

Understanding the Impacts For Canada: Increased temperature Shifts in precipitation Increased extreme events Rising sea levels Longer growing season Changing pest and disease pressures Water stress (excess and shortage) Infrastructure Loss and gain of agriculture lands

Farmers Are Inherently Adaptive Gradual climatic changes are manageable. Access to the right information is needed to inform farm management and investments. Extreme events will be more challenging. Off-farm factors and decision-making, (ex. land use, water management) can significantly help or hinder agriculture’s adaptation.

Snow cover protects crops over winter and feeds groundwater resources

With warmer winters, cover crops may be needed

There are fields on either side of this road under the water from the 2014 Manitoba flood. From Winnipeg Sun

What Do Farmers Need to Adapt Education and awareness Information on local impacts and risks Vulnerability and risk assessments that involve farmers, recognizing different production methods and commodities Supportive government policies Access to credit Appropriate incentives for the right adaptations Funding for research and program delivery

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