MOSES LAKE – As Washington experiences longer summers, higher temperatures, reduced snow pack, and more extreme weather events, the state’s farmers and ranchers are wondering what the impact will be to their bottom line. As some of the most climate-dependent business owners in the state, farmers may have the most to lose.
A group of Washington’s most innovative agriculture producers are joining university researchers, natural resource conservationists and advocates for agriculture to take an in-depth look at the risks presented by global climate change, as well as the potential opportunities.
The Agricultural Working Group on Climate Change Mitigation, part of the state’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, met for the first time last week in Moses Lake. Over the next four months, the panel will explore how climate change will impact growing conditions, yields, commodity prices, input costs and other factors.
“Our research on global climate change points to some serious areas of concern for Washington’s agriculture economy,”
said Chad Kruger of the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources at WSU, one of the panel’s co-leaders. “The benefits of a longer, warmer growing season may be outweighed by reductions in available water for irrigation.”
said Chad Kruger of the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources at WSU, one of the panel’s co-leaders. “The benefits of a longer, warmer growing season may be outweighed by reductions in available water for irrigation.”
Washington’s 33,000 farmers produced $6.7 billion in agriculture products in 2006. The state is a leading producer of tree fruit, wine grapes and other commodities that could play a meaningful role in carbon sequestration. The food and agriculture industry of the state is estimated to employ 160,000 workers and generate $34 billion in sales.
information about the Agricultural Working Group, as well as presentations, meeting schedules and names of the panelists, is available under “Forestry and Agriculture” at www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange.
The Agricultural Working Group on Climate Change Mitigation is exploring the impact of changing climate on Washington agriculture. Image courtesy of PNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy.
The Agricultural Working Group on Climate Change Mitigation is exploring the impact of changing climate on Washington agriculture. Image courtesy of PNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy.
