Climate adaptation in agriculture

The 5 pillars of the Action Programme for Climate Adaptation in Agriculture are as follows:

• Water system

A good water system helps farmers cope with drought or flooding. Together, water authorities, nature site managers and farmers need to work on improving water retention in nature reserves and on farmland, to minimise the damage to plants during a prolonged drought.

• Soil system

Healthy soils can take up, store and deliver water and nutrients to plants. This is essential for good crop yields. And it is even more important in a changing climate. It also helps if farmers plough less often, use lighter machinery and grow crops with more extensive root systems.

• Crops and cultivation systems

Extreme weather, like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, hailstorms or frost, can damage plants and crops. A changing climate can also create favourable conditions for new pests and diseases. Farmers and growers can take measures to protect their crops. For instance, they can choose varieties that are more resilient against extreme weather, or grow fruit under cover.

• Livestock farming

Heat and drought are very stressful for livestock animals like cows, pigs and poultry. Climate change may result in new pests or animal diseases. Good ventilation and cooling systems in livestock sheds help keep animals comfortable. Animals outdoors benefit from access to shade. There are rules about transporting animals during a heat wave to safeguard animal welfare.

• Support

The Netherlands has many different types of landscape, such as sandy soils, coastal dunes, riverscapes, and peatland pastures. Climate change poses different problems for each type of landscape. These problems are tackled at local level in close collaboration between water authorities, municipal and provincial authorities and farmers. At international level policy programmes and knowledge is exchanged to learn from good examples of climate adaptation abroad.    

A lot of research has been done into ways the agricultural sector can adapt to the changing climate.

Cooperation

The adaptation action programme was drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. Input was provided by the Netherlands Agricultural and Horticultural Association (LTO), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Dutch Water Authorities, the Association of Provincial Authorities (IPO), the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and the Dutch Association of Insurers.

Farmers adapting to climate change

Nathan van Beek is an arable farmer in Gilze. His farm is increasingly confronted with extreme weather. In the video, Mr Van Beek explains how, in recent years, he’s been having to adapt the way he manages his farm to respond to the effects of climate change.