§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the impact of climate change on(a) agricultural production and methods and (b) crop diseases and pest control; and if he will make a statement. [15590]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department is aware of an increasing level of concern about the impact of a climate change on agriculture. In particular, we received a query from the Country Landowners' Association covering a range of climate change issues following my visit to East Anglia in June. In October, my officials attended a conference arranged by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) to discuss climate change issues with a group of farmers and other interested groups.
The Department will spend about £1 million this year on R and D on climate change in relation to agriculture, of which £300,000 will be spent assessing the impact of climate change and identifying adaptation strategies. Much of the rest will be spent on assessing the extent of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and developing options for mitigation. We also intend to publish a booklet on climate change and agriculture in the United Kingdom in the early part of next year.