MONHEIM / Germany, 22 September 2023: A recent global survey titled "Farmer Voice" has shed light on the growing concerns among farmers worldwide regarding the impact of climate change on agriculture.
The survey, commissioned by the life science company Bayer, interviewed 800 farmers from various countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States, to gauge their perspectives on climate change and its effects on farming.
The survey's findings reveal that a significant 71% of farmers believe that climate change is already having a substantial impact on their farms. Even more alarming is that an overwhelming 76% are worried about how climate change will affect their farms in the future, with farmers in Kenya and India expressing the most concern.
Economic Challenges Compound Farmer Pressures
While climate change remains a dominant concern, economic challenges have emerged as a top priority for farmers in the coming years. The survey indicates that 55% of farmers are most concerned about rising fertilizer costs, followed by energy costs (47%), price and income volatility (37%), and the cost of crop protection (36%). Notably, in Ukraine, 70% of farmers highlight fertilizer costs as a top challenge, reflecting the additional pressures faced due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
"Farmers are already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change on their fields and play a key role in tackling this huge challenge," stated Rodrigo Santos, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division. "The losses reported in this survey make the direct threat climate change poses to global food security crystal clear."
Farmers Taking Action to Mitigate Climate Change
Despite these challenges, farmers are taking proactive steps to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture. Over 80% of surveyed farmers are either already implementing or planning measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These measures include the use of cover crops (43%), renewable energy or biofuels (37%), and innovative seeds aimed at reducing fertilizer and crop protection usage (33%). Furthermore, a strong focus on biodiversity preservation is evident, with 54% of farmers implementing or planning measures to protect insects and promote biodiversity.
Innovation in Agriculture is Key
Farmers expressed a strong desire for innovation in agriculture to address climate-related challenges. Approximately 53% of respondents believe that access to seeds and traits designed to withstand extreme weather would significantly benefit their farms. A similar percentage (50%) called for better crop protection technology, while 42% indicated that improved access to irrigation technology would be advantageous.
Moreover, improving land use efficiency, diversifying crops, and enhancing soil health were identified as crucial strategies for future success in agriculture.
Spotlight on Indian Smallholder Farmers
In addition to the global survey, Bayer interviewed 2,056 Indian smallholder farmers, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by these crucial contributors to global food supply. High labor and fertilizer costs were identified as the primary challenges for Indian smallholders. These farmers also expressed concerns about climate change, with 42% anticipating reduced crop yields and 31% expecting higher pest pressures due to changing weather.
Despite these challenges, Indian smallholders remained optimistic about the future of farming, with 80% expressing positivity. They identified access to digital technologies and modern crop protection as critical factors for their future success.
A Call to Action
The "Farmer Voice" survey highlights the shared concerns of farmers worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address climate change and economic pressures in agriculture. Rodrigo Santos remarked, "The views expressed by farmers in the report need to be widely seen and understood. They are a call to action for the entire food system to innovate, collaborate, and deliver the solutions farmers need."
As the world's population continues to grow, the results of this survey underscore the critical role that sustainable and innovative agriculture will play in ensuring global food security.
The "Farmer Voice" survey, conducted independently by Kekst CNC, serves as a valuable indicator of farmers' priorities and needs, providing insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
