More Than 70% Of Farmers Have Already Observed The Impacts Of Climate Change On Their Farms, Reveals Global Research In 8 Countries

Sep 21, 2023, 4:22 pm ET

A study commissioned by Bayer estimates that, in the last two years, climate impacts have reduced producers’ income by 15.7%, on average.

Around 71% of farmers say climate change is already having a major impact on their farms, and an even greater number are concerned about the consequences this will have in the future. In total, 73% recorded increasing pressure from pests and diseases. On average, according to producers’ estimates, their incomes have suffered a reduction of 15.7% in the last two years due to climate change. Furthermore, out of every six producers, one identifies income losses of more than 25% during this period. These are some of the key findings from the “Farmer Voice” survey, published today, which reveals the challenges faced by producers around the world as they try to mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt to the future.

To carry out “Farmer Voice”, Bayer, a life sciences company, hired an agency to independently interview a total of 800 producers between April and July 2023 around the world, representing large and small rural properties in Australia , Brazil, China , Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine and the United States. Respondents predict that the repercussions of climate change will continue. The consultation shows that 76% are concerned about the impact that climate change will have on their crops, with producers in Kenya and India being the most concerned.

“Farmers are already feeling the adverse effects of climate change on their fields, and at the same time they have a central role in tackling this enormous challenge. That’s why it’s so important to make your voice come to the forefront,” says Rodrigo Santos , global president of Bayer’s agricultural division. “The losses reported in this research make very clear the direct threat that climate change poses to food security around the world. In the face of an ever-increasing global population, the results should be a catalyst for efforts to make agriculture regenerative .”

Economic challenges compound pressures

While climate change is an overarching topic, economic challenges are the biggest priority for the next three years. More than half (55%) of producers ranked fertilizer costs among their top three challenges, followed by energy costs (47%), price and income volatility (37%) and the cost of crop protection (36% ). The importance of fertilizer costs is most evident in Kenya, India and Ukraine.

In Ukraine, 70% indicated fertilizer costs as one of the three main challenges, showing that the concrete consequences of the war put great pressure on the country’s producers. Furthermore, 40% indicated the general interruption of activities due to conflicts as one of the main challenges.

Measures to mitigate climate change and value innovation

Faced with the challenging scenario, more than 80% of respondents are already taking or plan to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The main areas of focus are the use of cover crops (43% already do so or intend to do so), the use of renewable energy or biofuels (37%) and the use of innovative seeds to reduce the use of fertilizers or of agricultural pesticides (33%). Everyone states that they already have or intend to take actions to promote biodiversity. More than half (54%) say they have taken measures to protect insects or plan to do so in the next three years.

To be ready for the future, rural producers value innovation. More than half (53%) of them say that access to seeds and varieties designed to better handle extreme weather conditions would benefit their farms the most. A similar number (50%) say they hope for better crop protection technologies, while 42% said better access to irrigation solutions would benefit their farms. Looking at their practices, improving efficient land use, crop diversification and improving soil health were ranked as the most important paths to success.

Producers agree on global challenges

In general, the “Farmer Voice” survey shows that rural producers around the world largely share the same opinion about current challenges and prospects for the future. While there are small differences between countries, the big issues surrounding climate change and economic pressures are similar concerns for everyone.

“Rural producers are facing several related challenges. But despite this, we found that they are hopeful – almost three-quarters say they feel positive about the future of agriculture in their countries”, says Rodrigo Santos . This is impressive and encouraging. The views expressed in the report need to be widely seen and understood. They are a call for the entire food system to be able to innovate, collaborate and provide the solutions producers need – and we at Bayer look forward to playing a leading role in these efforts. There is little time to waste.”

Farmer Voice is a survey carried out with 800 rural producers divided equally between Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine and the United States. The study was conducted independently by Kekst CNC. Producers were randomly selected from each market. Respondents were unaware that the survey was being conducted on behalf of Bayer until it was completed, and Bayer had no role in sample selection. The interviews took place between April and July 2023. Additionally, 2,056 smallholder farmers in India participated in the survey using a short questionnaire. These producers were linked to the Better Life Farming ecosystem, producers from Bayer-supported Agricultural Producer Organizations, and producers enrolled in the Bayer Sustainable Rice Program. These interviews were carried out between May and June 2023.

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