Primary industries must adapt to climate change challenge - Academic

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The ability of primary industries to successfully adapt to climate change is vital to securing New Zealand's economic resilience.

That challenge will be outlined by Nick Cradock-Henry, Senior Researcher in Social Science for Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, at The New Zealand Agricultural Climate Change Conference 2019 (NZACCC), in Palmerston North on April 8-9.

Dr Cradock-Henry's presentation will report on the results of an in-depth review of the state of adaptation science for New Zealand's primary industries to determine exactly what is known, not known, and what is needed to ensure successful adaptation for the sector.

Drawing on ten years' worth of impacts and adaptation research through the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change (SLMACC) programme and a systematic review of published literature, its findings provide an up-to-date assessment of the state of adaptation science and its outcomes.

"Critical knowledge gaps are identified, providing a baseline for informing further research priorities," said Cradock-Henry.

"Furthermore, findings can contribute to the development of adaptation policy and entry points to support different sectors that have acute adaptation needs, or distinct vulnerabilities."

He says primary industries will have to adjust their practices, processes, and use of capital in response to the actuality or threat of climate change, as well as responding to changes in social and institutional structures.

The NZACCC will bring together scientists, government policy advisors, farmers and industry leaders to discuss the theme of meeting the challenges of climate change with respect to farming.

The New Zealand Agricultural Climate Change Conference is organised by the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc), and will be held at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre, 354 Main Street.

Presentations will be given by New Zealand science, industry and policy leaders.

The programme will draw on published scientific work and the research projects being
conducted by the NZAGRC-PGgRc and by MPI's Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Research Programme.

Attendance is free but registration is required.

For more information go to nzagrc.org.nz/conference