Monday, September 19, 2011

Farming for a changing climate

Three of New Zealand’s leading climate experts are coming to Palmerston North to discuss the impacts of climate change and the opportunities it presents our region’s farmers.

Maintaining farm productivity and profits in an uncertain climate is a free public seminar featuring presentations from former NIWA scientist Dr Jim Salinger, Professor Caroline Saunders of Lincoln University and business journalist Rod Oram.

Hosted by Horizons Regional Council and held at the Palmerston North Convention Centre, the seminar will focus on the significant environmental and economic benefits of embracing sustainable practices.

Dr Salinger says “events like melting of Artic ice and this year’s heat waves in the US prove climate change is happening now and the race is on to limit the increase in global temperatures”.

“It’s an issue that needs to be addressed, but it’s also an opportunity for New Zealand to be proactive and take the lead”, he says.

Experienced researcher Professor Caroline Saunders agrees.

Her presentation will address the impact of climate science on agricultural trade as well as practical and cost-effective steps farmers can take to improve their economic viability in a changing world.

Horizons group manager for environmental management Craig Mitchell hopes the seminar will attract widespread interest and generate discussion.

“It’s not only for farmers, but for anyone interested in agriculture, climate change and the future of our region”, he says.

The seminar will run from 10.00am to 12.00pm Friday September 30 at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.

Ends

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