Bayer's Farmer Voice survey highlights producer concern about climate impacts

The Farmer Voice survey, commissioned by chemical company Bayer, is an independent global research project seeking views from primary producers across eight countries worldwide, including Australia.

The project also surveyed farmers from the US, Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, China, India, and Kenya.

The results showed, regardless of location, farmers were already feeling the effects of climate change, with 71 per cent stating it had a large impact on their farm in the past two years.

Three quarters placed climate change as a major concern for their future.

This is the first year Bayer has conducted the Farmer Voice survey. It is expected the project will continue yearly to track the results over time.

Bayer Crop Science Australia managing director, Warren Inwood, said the survey is the first of its kind to ask farmers worldwide what's happening on their farm.

"The results have highlighted the common challenges of climate change and economic pressures being faced by farmers around the world, and brought to light some regional differences," Mr Inwood said.

"A uniting challenge for farmers around the world is climate change. Farmers are already experiencing its adverse effects on their fields. And they expect this challenge to deepen."

ECONOMIC pressure was a standout challenge for Australian farmers in particular.

Farm economics were particularly top of mind compared to their international peers, according to the survey.

Energy costs were a top challenge for 78pc of Australian farmers compared to 47pc globally.

Australians were also more likely to state that better access to finance and support in relation to financial risk would benefit their farms than their international peers.

"While economic pressures were felt by all farmers in the survey, we're hearing that it's been particularly challenging for Australian farmers," Mr Inwood said.

The research project showed farmers were tackling a multitude of problems with limited compensation and recognition.

"Farmers are on the frontline dealing with the direct impacts of climate change on their farms every day," Mr Inwood said.

"They are expected to look after the environment and tackle the global emissions problem all while under enormous economic pressure."

DESPITE the tough outlook, the survey suggested primary producers were doing their bit to improve things.

It found 80pc were already taking or planning to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including cover crops, innovative seeds or renewable energy.

In Australia, renewable energy has been, or is in the process of being, implemented by 72pc of farmers.

On average Australians are around three times more likely than their international peers to be investigating opportunities to sequester carbon.

But there are indicators they may not be getting the recognition, and compensation, they deserve for their environmental stewardship activities.

"All farmers surveyed agreed that the huge amount of work done to steward the environment should be compensated," Mr Inwood said.

"Farmers play an irreplaceable role in nourishing the world, yet 88pc of them feel they do not receive the credit they deserve."

The results also showed farmers remained optimistic, with 71pc feeling positive about the future of farming.

"While farmers are incredibly resilient, more can be done to support them. We need to come together to provide farmers with the tools, technologies, financing and recognition to help them continue growing food and fibre for local and international consumers," Mr Inwood said.

"We've now heard what they have to say. It's a call to action for the entire food system to innovate, collaborate and deliver the solutions farmers need."

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