As a record warm winter ended in March 2000, farmers in many parts of the US faced serious drought. Farmers were reminded once again how much their fortunes depend on the weather. Looking to the future, we need to be ahead of the curve, prepared for dry weather when it comes and equipped with the mechanisms that will protect farmers and prevent widespread losses.
Farmers are always subject to the vagaries of weather that sometimes turns extreme.
Today, these come as the agricultural sector is being transformed by factors ranging from low commodity prices to rapid technological innovation. The 21 st century promises no letup in the pace, which will include the pervasive impacts of rapid climate change. But the IPCC points out that its assessment does not consider critical factors, including changes in insect infestations and climate variability. The IPCC furthermore cautions that there could be great regional variations. Among those at greater risk of hunger are the poor in subtropical and tropical areas.