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Advisors Master Climate Change

Climate variability and climate change are critical issues facing agriculture and rural communities in Australia. To ensure that farmers have access to the latest thinking and information about climate change, BCG have been proactive in engaging with Australia’s leading organisations and researchers of climate change.

“Communicating Climate Change with Agricultural Industries”, a project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, is being delivered in the region by BCG, Land & Water Australia, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Bureau of Meteorology and Meat and Livestock Australia.

    

Twenty two advisors working within the agricultural industry came to Birchip to attend a two day “Masters of Climate” workshop at the end of May. Specifically designed to improve the understanding of professionals that support farmers, the workshop highlighted the implications of climate change on farm businesses. “Developing and using local masters of climate are preferable to external experts as they are grounded within their specific region and are equipped with existing knowledge and reputations,” BCG CEO Alexandra Gartmann said.   

Understanding climate change; implications on weeds, pests, current management practices, and farm viability; existing and potential policies; tools for managing change; adaptation responses and costs; and mitigation strategies were issues addressed. The workshop showcased scenarios for climate change in terms and facts that are useful for enterprise decisions and on farm practices. Similar workshops are being delivered in Western Australia and South Australia.  

Pictured: Elise Wendon and Michaela Crompton taking notes at the workshop                                                                                                        

A Victorian farmer forum on climate change will be held in conjunction with the 2008 Grains Research Expo “Changing Climate, Changing Practices” on the 3rd of July at the Birchip P-12 School. The farmer forums will address climate change impacts, mitigation, adaptation and opportunities at the regional and farm scale.

For more information please contact BCG on 03 54 922787