Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canadian Agriculture and Climate Change: Challenges
and Opportunities
Canadian Agriculture and Climate Change: Challenges
and Opportunities
2
Changes and adaptation are part of business in agriculture
Variations from Expected Wheat Yield, 1917 - 2000
3
on the agriculture and agri-food industry, and on rural communities
Climate change means new potential pressures
CropsHeat, Winter damage,
Weeds, Pests
CropsHeat, Winter damage,
Weeds, Pests
LivestockProductivity, Diseases,
Power Outages
LivestockProductivity, Diseases,
Power Outages
Food processingPathogens, Parasites,
Mycotoxins , Residues
Food processingPathogens, Parasites,
Mycotoxins , Residues
Rural communities
Lifestyle, Income
Rural communities
Lifestyle, Income
ResourcesLoss of Arable Land,
Stress on Water
Resources
ResourcesLoss of Arable Land,
Stress on Water
Resources
4
The Atlantic region is likely to benefit from a longer growing season
Source: Bootsma et al. 2001
Effective Growing Degree Days
5
Longer growing seasons are also predicted for the Prairies...
Effective Growing Degree Days
1961-90
2040-69
Source: Harron et al. 2001
6
Moisture Deficit for the Prairies (Precipitation minus Potential Evapotranspiration, mm/year)
Source: Harron et al. 2001
…but with large moisture deficits
1961-90
2040-69
7
Source: Harron et al. 2001
Favorable cropping conditions may shift northward….
1961-90
2040-69
…but we may not have adequate soil conditions available
8
Extreme events, particularly drought,are already a very serious concern
Drought Severity IndexSW Saskatchewan and SE Alberta
(Sauchyn and Skinner, 2001)
… and are expected to be aggravated
9
Adequate water resources management...
…will be key in addressing this issue
•Effective watershed management
•On-farm water management
•Alternate production systems
•Efficient irrigation practices
•Prevention of wetland loss
10
Responses
Risk management programs
Irrigation efficiency
Water allocations
Research
Improved resource management
… and government needs to act
Climate change means new risks to producers ...
Pressures
Increased temperature
Increased variations in climate
Reduced water availability
Degraded soil
Different pests, pathogens and weeds behaviour
11
Coping with Global Warming and Climate Variability requires …
Continuing Adaptation
Short-term strategies …
...And long-term strategies
12
International
Trade & Development
Food Safety and Food Quality
EnvironmentScience and Innovation
Renewal
Business Risk Management
The APF elements:
The Agriculture Policy Framework: short-term response and positioning for the long term
13
How can Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada help the sector adapt to global warming and climate variability?
• Improved models to predict impacts on agriculture and agri-food sectors
• Sustainable productions systems• Development of more resilient crops• Improved agricultural practices• New technologies for water use
efficiency
Science and Innovation
14
• Production Insurance• New NISA Programs
– Stabilization– Disaster– Investment
• Tax Deferral Designations
Business Risk Management
How can Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada help the sector adapt to global warming and climate variability?
15
• Assistance in dealing with changes• Linking science with opportunities/
Technology transfer• Improved decision support systems• Skills and training
Renewal
How can Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada help the sector adapt to global warming and climate variability?
16
• Security of water supply • National Land and Water Information
Service• Improved weather and climate information• Best Management Practices• Environmental Farm Plans• Greencover • Agri- Environmental Indicators
Environment
How can Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada help the sector adapt to global warming and climate variability?
17
Long-term approach: Continue developing adaptation strategies
Building scientific tools, knowledge base and capacity
Develop strategies and partnerships to address emerging issues
Adjust and add programs to support adaptation
...and take advantage of opportunities
