Climate change over the past 20 years has already impacted production of staple grain crops, a new report finds.
Wheat, barley and corn yields around the world have declined about 40 million metric tons per year due to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
In Australia and New Zealand, farmers are being warned that their future success may depend on their “green” credentials, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Analysts say that farmers there need to prove that their exported crops are just as environmentally friendly as locally produced crops increasingly favored in Europe.
Sources:
“Cereal crops feeling the heat”
Environment News Service, March 16, 2007
“Farmers warned to emphasise green credentials”
Australian Broadcast Corporation, March 19, 2007