Farmers and ranchers see climate change as a top challenge in new poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON, December 11, 2024 - Climate change is one of the top challenges facing agriculture over the next decade, according to a recent poll of farmers and ranchers across Canada. Producers across the country worry that climate change and severe weather events will reduce their profits and yields, and are interested in adopting new practices that will make their operations more resilient. The phone poll of 858 farmers and ranchers was conducted by polling firm Leger between August 8 and September 4, 2024 and commissioned by Farmers for Climate Solutions.

When asked an open-ended question about the main challenge facing agriculture in the next ten years, 18% of respondents identified climate change as a top response, with input costs for seed, fertilizer, and other expenses coming in close behind at 17%. More than three-quarters of respondents said they were concerned that climate change would reduce their net farm income (79%) and reduce their yields (76%).

“Farmers and ranchers across Canada are living the reality of severe weather and understand that climate change puts our livelihoods at risk,” said Brent Preston, President of Farmers for Climate Solutions. “The results of this poll provide valuable insights into the challenges we’re facing and show that farmers are ready to adapt.”

Seventy-six percent of producers stated that severe weather has impacted their operations over the past five years, with 34% saying they had been significantly impacted. Farmers and ranchers are interested in adopting new practices to increase resilience and reduce their emissions with improved nitrogen management, no-till/reduced tillage, wildlife habitat conservation, cover cropping, and rotational grazing topping the list. Profitability and productivity are seen as key drivers for implementing new practices, so highlighting the proven economic benefits of new practices and developing policies that incentivize their adoption will be vital.

“Bold climate action in agriculture is possible,” said Preston. “Farmers and ranchers see the challenges ahead, want to help develop effective solutions, and are clear on the support they need to move forward.”

To increase the adoption of practices that build resilience and reduce emissions across Canada, all levels of government should invest in policies and programs that support producers with training, financial incentives, and risk management tools—the most important types of support when trying a new practice, according to farmers and ranchers. Having new policies and programs in place for the next growing season will be vital for addressing the climate-related challenges faced by producers across Canada.

For more information about the poll, please visit www.farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/2024-poll.



Media Contact
Gabriela Warrior Renaud, Senior Communications Manager
gabriela@farmersforclimatesolutions.ca 
819-598-6248

About Farmers for Climate Solutions
Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) is a national farmer and rancher-led coalition advancing practical solutions that support farmers and ranchers in making the transition to low emissions, high resilience approaches to agriculture. Grounded in producer experience and backed by science, we develop policy proposals for government and offer training and learning resources to better support farmers and ranchers in the face of climate change. To learn more about Farmers for Climate Solutions, visit: www.farmersforclimatesolutions.ca 

About Leger
Established in 1986, Leger is a privately held organization that has grown to become the largest Canadian-owned market research firm, extending their reach in the United States as well. With offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal (head office), Quebec City and New York, and Philadelphia, Leger relies on a devoted team of over 250 research professionals and 500 interviewing and data processing staff, serving local, national and international clients. Leger utilizes multi-mode research, advanced analytics, and data visualization to produce strategic and actionable insights and recommendations to meet our client’s needs. In everything they do, Leger aims to be effective, efficient, and exceptional. To learn more about Leger, visit: www.leger360.com