Media release

From: Christina Griffin (Study author)

Fairness impacts how dairy farmers adapt to a changing climate

"In a future climate with larger floods, higher intensity rainfall events and longer periods of dry, our research asks how will different dairy farmers adapt to a changing climate?

"Research with dairy farmers in the lower South Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand shows that while many famers already have years of experience managing challenging weather events, not all farmers are equally able to adapt. This is particularly true for farmers with large amounts of financial debt, and less experienced farmers who farm flood prone land because it is less expensive.

"New regulations aimed at improving the environmental impact of the industry and curbing greenhouse gas emissions are also met with mixed reactions from different groups. For example, many older farmers are deterred by the influx of new regulations, while the younger farming generation is generally more optimistic and are more likely to view future climate change regulations more fairly.

"Our research shows that farmers are more likely to participate in adaptation activities that are seen as fair and calls for more local level engagement with dairy farming communities."