Manitoba Climate Change Task Force - International Institute for ...

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MCCTF Report 2001 — Manitoba and Climate Change: Investing in our future
Zero till agriculture.
What are the Challenges
and Opportunities?
Just as the impacts of climate
change will differ according to region and industry sector, so will the opportunities
that are offered by climate change and the possibilities for mitigating and adapting.
It is important for all sectors of Manitoba’s economy to prepare for the impacts and
seize the opportunities.
Agriculture
“If technologies and practices can be demonstrated to address both the climate
change issue as well as producers’ immediate needs – in terms of greater social
acceptance for their businesses, or reduced costs, or increased productivity and
efficiency – then these technologies and practices can expect to find widespread and
rapid acceptance in the agricultural community.”
Marcel Hacault • Manitoba Pork Council
Due to its dependence on weather and climate, agriculture will be among the
most affected sectors in Manitoba. The province will likely experience more frequent
drought and will need to adjust water management and irrigation practices
accordingly. Greater heat stress on animals and crops over the summer is also likely
to be a problem. Many pests and diseases could survive over milder winters or
spread into Manitoba from warmer regions. In response, farmers will need to
adapt through measures such as switching to more drought-resistant crops,
implementing or improving irrigation systems and altering cropland rotation
cycles. They could also reduce exposure to risk by diversifying the farm economy
through practices such as raising bison and other indigenous species for niche
markets.
Potential benefits of climate change for Manitoba’s agricultural sector include
reduced heating requirements and cold stress of livestock in the winter. A longer
growing season is anticipated which, if appropriate management systems are