Devon County Council opens debate on farming and climate change

Devon County Council will host an interactive discussion about the impact of modern farming on our climate.

The jury-style event will be held on Wednesday, March 19, and brings together experts from the county's agricultural, scientific and environmental community. It will consider if Devon's agricultural community is ready to face the challenges of improving climate change. The question being asked is: "Is Devon's farming fit for purpose in the era of climate change?"

Professor Michael Winter, Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, explained: "The UK agricultural sector currently makes a relatively large contribution to the total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions each year, largely methane and nitrous oxide. However, it is also in a near unique position to address this issue, as it has the ability to capture, store and maintain carbon and take other actions to reduce GHG emissions."

Against this background, Devon County Council and Devon Rural Network commissioned the Centre for Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter to consider whether Devon's farming practices are fit for purpose and assess its ability to make the necessary efficiency changes. The debate is one of the first steps for all those involved to raise and discuss the key issues.