Farmers around the world have spoken: climate change is having a significant impact on farms.

On average, farmers estimate their incomes had reduced by 15.7 per cent due to climate change according to the farmer voice survey, an independent global research project commissioned by life science company Bayer.

The survey brings to light the views of farmers from across eight countries worldwide, including Australia, USA, Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, China, India, and Kenya.

Bayer Crop Science Australia managing director Warren Inwood said the survey is the first of its kind to ask farmers worldwide what is 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.

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

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

“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,” Mr Inwood says.

Economic pressure a standout challenge for Australian farmers

For Australian farmers, farm economics are particularly top-of-mind compared to their international peers.

Australians were particularly concerned about farm costs and access to finance.

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

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

Farmers squeezed between climate change and the economy

The research project also revealed farmers are 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. They are expected to look after the environment and tackle the global emissions problem all while under enormous economic pressure,” Mr Inwood added.

Although the world’s farmers are facing a wide array of challenges, 80 per cent are already taking or planning to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Steps include adoption of cover crops, innovative seeds or renewable energy.

In Australia, renewable energy has been, or is in the process of being, implemented by 72 per cent of farmers. And on average Australians are around three times more likely than their international peers to be investigating opportunities to sequester carbon.

Despite these efforts, these environmental stewardship activities are rarely compensated.

“All farmers surveyed agreed the huge amount of work done to steward the environment should be compensated. Farmers play an irreplaceable role in nourishing the world, yet 88 per cent of them feel they do not receive the credit they deserve,” Mr Inwood says.

The farmer voice project revealed regardless of difficulties, farmers remain optimistic, with 71 per cent 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 added.

Bayer began this research project wanting to capture the voice of farmers around the world and share it with the public.

“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.”

This is the first year of the farmer voice survey and it is expected the project will continue yearly, to track the results over time and continue sharing the perspectives of farmers around the world.

To find out more about the farmer voice survey, visit www.bayer.com/en/agriculture/farmer-voice 

*Warren Inwood, Bayer Crop Science Australia managing director joined Bayer in 2002 as a German-based global product manager in portfolio management. After working in Europe and Asia he returned home in 2011 as head of sales for Australia and New Zealand and in 2022, was appointed to his current role. Warren says he is passionate about Bayer’s long-term commitment to agriculture here and its strong investment into local agriculture across its manufacturing, field teams and innovation pipeline.