The 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey indicates that 75 percent of farmers worldwide are affected by climate change, with significant concerns about reduced yields and financial losses. The survey emphasizes the farmers’ openness to adopting new technologies and highlights challenges faced particularly by Chinese farmers, including price volatility and access to resources. Rodrigo Santos from Bayer underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration to support farmers in navigating these challenges.

A recent survey conducted by the global market research firm Kynetec, on behalf of the multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Bayer, has revealed that climate change significantly impacts farmers worldwide. The 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey, which spanned eight countries—namely China, Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States—interviewed over 2,000 farmers during the months of June and July. The findings indicate that approximately 75 percent of farmers report being affected by climate change, while 71 percent express concerns over reduced agricultural yields. Notably, 60 percent of the respondents have experienced considerable revenue loss due to unusual weather patterns in recent periods. Farmers are increasingly showing their readiness to embrace innovation as a means to confront agricultural challenges posed by climate change. The survey found that a significant 75 percent of farmers are open to adopting new technologies aimed at enhancing their resilience to climate-related issues. This pursuit for improved yields, sustainable farming practices, and livelihood protection is driving a shift towards more regenerative and technologically advanced agricultural methods. Chinese farmers, who constituted about 300 of the respondents, specifically identified challenges such as “price/income volatility” and escalating “fertilizer costs”—both cited by 57 percent—as their primary concerns. Furthermore, they highlighted the rising risks of crop damage due to pests, diseases, and other resistance issues. A notable 36 percent of the farmers expressed a need for improved access to seeds and traits better suited for extreme weather conditions, underscoring the necessity for enhanced collaboration between scientific research and agricultural sectors. In terms of technological integration, nearly half (49 percent) of the Chinese farmers reported having already incorporated digital technologies into their practices, with an additional 27 percent intending to expand their use in the future. Rodrigo Santos, a member of Bayer’s management board and president of the crop science division, emphasized the importance of innovation for farmers facing climate change. He remarked, “When you look at the survey, it is evident that innovation is a crucial factor. Farmers are very interested in why we talk about climate change in cities. Climate change is affecting farmers’ livelihoods, and this impact is different from the frequent rainfall I experience at my home in St. Louis. Therefore, for farmers around the globe, innovation and technology are particularly critical.” Santos also discussed the exciting potential for biotechnology in China, expressing the hope that new technologies could be introduced to farmers there, thereby enhancing their productivity and environmental sustainability. He articulated that collaboration is essential to bolster farmers’ adaptability against long-term challenges such as global food security and climate change. He elaborated, stating, “Collaboration and partnership are central to driving innovation and benefiting smallholder farmers. Globally, large and medium-sized farmers have access to information and technology, while smallholders are facing challenges to not only access to the technology but also access to technical support.” Finally, financial support for smallholder farmers remains a significant concern for achieving technological advancements and improvements in agricultural returns. Santos concluded, “That is why we have so many global collaborations to provide support to smallholder farmers, they can also be part of the solution for regenerative agriculture. This is only possible by collaboration.”

The impact of climate change on agriculture has become an increasingly critical issue as it affects food production and the livelihoods of farmers across the globe. Many farmers find themselves confronting rising costs, unpredictable weather, and diminishing yields, which jeopardize both their financial stability and the food security of their communities. The 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey, conducted in multiple countries, aimed to uncover these challenges while also highlighting farmers’ willingness and readiness to adopt innovative practices and technologies in anticipation of a more sustainable agricultural future.

The findings from the 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey underscore the urgent reality of climate change’s impact on global agriculture, revealing how wide-ranging challenges affect farmers’ livelihoods. The survey not only highlights the need for innovative solutions that can help farmers adapt to changing conditions but also illustrates the vital importance of collaboration among agricultural stakeholders. Access to technology and financial support is crucial in enabling smallholders to regain stability and contribute to regenerative agricultural practices.

Original Source: www.stdaily.com