Climate Risk Management Project

Why do we need this project?

The second objective of the Greenhouse Plan, Adapting to Climate Change, identified seven different actions, including the following one specific to agriculture:

Action 2.4 - Strengthen the Climatology in Agriculture program and develop tools and guidelines for use by farmers and Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs)

The main things NSW DPI wants to achieve through its Climate Risk Management Project are to:

• raise awareness and build partnerships;
• provide an understanding of climate change and its potential impacts on agricultural production;
• give farmers across all industries the capacity to start planning their strategies for adaptation.

The project will focus on adapting agriculture to long-term climate change, rather than just managing shorter-term climate variability. However, we realise that for many farmers, improving the timing and accuracy of seasonal forecasting is still the highest priority. Even though Australia has a highly variable climate, our farmers have clearly demonstrated their skills in improving their efficiency and productivity. Climate change presents new challenges, and we are going to need longer-term strategies to ensure a viable and sustainable future for our farmers and the primary industries they represent.

How will the project work?

The project will work through the NSW DPI extension network, which plays a critical role in providing timely advice to producers to support their decision making. This network includes district agronomists (cropping and pastures), livestock officers (dairy, beef, sheep and wool), horticulturists, and other technical advisors (such as irrigation officers).

NSW DPI staff will attend training workshops to improve their knowledge and skills in climate risk management, and they will then be able to incorporate these skills into their advisory services. NSW Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) will be key partners in the project, and CMA staff will be included in this training.

'The Farmer's Guide to Managing Climate Risk' is a one-day workshop developed by NSW DPI as part of the PROfarm series of short courses. It is available to individuals and groups, and is intended to provide farmers with the essential knowledge and tools to incorporate climate risk management into future planning for their enterprises.

What is the project doing for farmers?

To increase awareness and contribute to regional capacity-building, NSW DPI is planning a range of activities across NSW in the next 12 months, including:

• the staging of 10 Regional Climate Forums at various locations across NSW - they will focus on the impacts of climate change on key primary industries at a regional scale;
• delivery of NSW DPI's training workshop, 'The Farmer's Guide to Managing Climate Risk', involving NSW DPI and CMA staff, farmers, land managers and primary industry service providers;
• briefings and presentations to CMAs, regional councils, farmers and other interested groups to raise general awareness of key issues;
• participation in major regional events, such as field days, where the impacts of climate change on our primary industries will be a major focus.

How can I find out more?

For more information, or if you want to attend a NSW DPI training workshop, please contact the NSW DPI Climate Risk Management Team:

Gary Allan (Orange)
Tel. 02 6391 3902
gary.allan@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Michael Cashen (Paterson)
Tel. 02 4939 8953
michael.cashen@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Doug Richard (Gunnedah)
Tel. 02 6741 8331
doug.richard@dpi.nsw.gov.au