Farming & Climate Change

Changes in ozone, greenhouse gases, and climate change affect agricultural producers greatly because agriculture and fisheries depend on specific climate conditions. Temperature changes can cause habitat ranges and crop planting dates to shift and droughts and floods due to climate change may hinder farming practices.

EPA

It is predicted that we need to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in developed countries by at least 80% by 2050 in order to prevent a rise in temperature globally.  Current methods of factory farming contribute to the climate change challenge, releasing vast volumes of greenhouse gases.

Climate change presents real threats to U.S. agricultural production, forest resources, and rural economies. These threats have significant implications not just for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, but for all Americans. Land managers across the country are already feeling the pressures of a changing climate and its effects on weather. As these risks continue and amplify, producers will be faced with the challenges of adapting.

For any particular crop, the effect of increased temperature will depend on the crop's optimal temperature for growth and reproduction.[1] In some areas, warming may benefit the types of crops that are typically planted there, or allow farmers to shift to crops that are currently grown in warmer areas. Conversely, if the higher temperature exceeds a crop's optimum temperature, yields will decline.  

Family farms are already facing financial challenges as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Climate events are impacting daily life. The cycle has to be broken. Farming impacts climate change and climate change impacts farming. GroNorth is actively pursuing solutions.