Advice on Climate and Agriculture
How can the government improve farmers’ perspective, to achieve a climate-neutral and climate-resilient agricultural sector? That is the main question of the third advice of the WKR. On December 11, 2024, the WKR presented its advisory letter 'Farming in a changing climate' to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.
Agriculture is vulnerable to climate change. The effects of a changing climate are already impacting the day-to-day activities of farmers and horticulturists, and these are projected to increase over time. Furthermore, while agriculture and horticulture is a key sector for food production, rural employment, and landscape management, current strategies and practices have significant adverse impacts on the climate, natural resources, and the environment. The sector has largely failed to mitigate its detrimental impact and remains inadequately equipped to address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Unique position of farmers in addressing climate change
Given their pivotal role in managing natural resources, soil, and water, farmers are uniquely positioned to play a much larger part in addressing and combating climate change than they do at present. Farmers must have perspective to meet the demands of this role. The WKR contends that in the absence of a perspective for the sector and its farmers, progress towards climate-neutral and climate-resilient agriculture will be significantly impeded. However, many farmers lack this perspective, and the current policy framework provides insufficient certainty for investing in a sustainable future. A farmer’s perspective includes more than just financial and economic considerations. It also involves clear and consistent policy extending to 2030, 2040, and 2050, enabling farmers to maintain autonomy, fostering a sense of appreciation and recognition, and equitable sharing of challenges and benefits across the food chain.