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Agriculture and climate change
20/04/2009
Scotland's farmers were today urged to adapt to climate change and take part in a new training programme.
The Adapt to Climate Change Skills Programme is a three year initiative to train 500 farmers and growers from 150 businesses in the skills needed to address the challenges ahead.
Developed by the Soil Association, the programme has received 75 per cent grant funding of £152,000 from the Scottish Government's Skills Development Scheme which is part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.
Launching the scheme, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:
"Climate change is a serious issue and potentially presents the industry with one of the greatest challenges it has known.
"The Scottish Government already has in place legislation, regulation and policy to protect against the worst impacts of climate change, such as increased flooding events.
"We are developing a Climate Change Adaptation Framework to help decision takers prepare for change now and we have presented the Scottish Climate change Bill to Parliament.
"But, climate change is an issue no government can address alone. We all have a part to play and that starts with awareness of how it can affect our lives and taking steps to counteract it.
"The Soil Association Scotland has risen to this challenge by preparing this three year programme to increase awareness amongst farmers and growers.
"Through 27 regional workshops, farmers and growers will have the opportunity to work together to devise environmentally-friendly measures to increase the profitability and sustainability of their business."
The Adapting to Climate Change Skills Programme aims to develop a confident workforce embracing new opportunities, more competitive businesses, a decrease in greenhouse gas emission from agricultural activities as well as improvements to soil and water quality. Each of the 27 regional workshops will be practically based, demand led and tailored to suit regional priorities.
Over the past 40 years alone, Scotland's climate has changed dramatically. Changes include:
- An increase in the average temperature of over 1 degree celcius
- A 20 per cent increase in rainfall
- The snow season has shortened
- A 25 per cent reduction in frost
- The growing season has lengthened by an average 33 days
If nothing is done to mitigate climate change tempteratures could continue to rise by up to 3.5 degrees.
The Adapting to Climate Change Skills Programme was launched at Newmiln Farm, Tibbermore, Perth. Newmiln Farm is to be the first venue for the programme with a workshop taking place on May 13, 2009. Details of the programme can be found on the Soil Association Scotland website.