'Welsh government should work with farmers to support climate change investment'

NFU Cymru has recently used a recent meeting to learn more about the international Paris Agreement on climate change, and what this means for Welsh farmers.

The Paris Agreement brings together over 190 countries to negotiate a new climate treaty.

The agreement is used to attain a peak in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as soon as possible, and to keep global temperature increase ‘well below’ 2oC.

The Agreement ensures progress is reviewed every five years and the Welsh Government, through the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, which establishes targets and budgets for carbon.

"The fundamental priority of safeguarding food security is recognised within the Agreement and the transition to lower GHG emissions should not threaten food production," Dr Jones said.

"However, this does not mean that agriculture is exempt from targets and as a responsible industry we can make a reasonable contribution.

"In the short to medium term significant progress can be made by improving productivity and efficiency – as farmers we’re seeking to do this anyway."

Monitoring progress made at farm level

NFU Cymru President Stephen James said: "We want the Welsh Government to work with Welsh farmers to support investment in climate change resilience.

"It is also clear that we need not be fearful of the implications of the Paris Agreement.

"We should embrace the opportunities it presents to lever measures to improve productivity and efficiency and sell the green credentials of our food production systems here in Wales.

"It is crucial that, as an industry, we are able to monitor progress made at a farm level.

"This progress simply cannot be captured by the high level indicators, we are keen to work with Welsh Government on the development of the Rural Development Programme Strategic Initiatives which will have a key role in both monitoring and supporting climate change action on-farm."

Dr Jones also referred to the NFU Weather Survey which identified that over 50% of farm businesses had been affected by severe weather; 10% had suffered structural damage from a severe weather event.

In terms of reducing the impacts of severe weather on farm businesses, the survey identified farmers were already adapting.

Measures included investment in farm infrastructure such as increased livestock housing, strengthening of shed roofs, field drains, water storage and watercourse maintenance.