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Adaptation in agriculture and forestry

As a biologically-based economy, New Zealand is particularly vulnerable to a variable climate. Being prepared for climate change will ensure the viability and competitiveness of industries that depend on a stable, equable climate.

Agricultural and forestry productivity may increase in some areas because of fewer frosts and the fertilising effect of elevated carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. A change in climate may also lead to the production of new commercial crops.

On the flipside, increased drought and other extreme weather events (such as storms and floods) will have a high financial cost, particularly in areas already affected by such events. Higher temperatures could also cause problems for crop production such as kiwifruit which require cold winters for fruit development. More forest fires are also likely in drier eastern areas of the country.

Farmers may want to modify their farming practices to reduce potential impacts arising from climate change. For example, farmers can change how they use their land, farm different stock types, change when and how they graze stock, and provide catchment protection to enhance the resilience of their farms.

A number of projects supported by the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry's Sustainable Farming Fund are already helping the agriculture sector adapt to climate change. Examples of projects include water enhancement programmes such as irrigation, dry land management and diversification into new plant species.

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Last updated: 22 October 2008