Weathering the Storm Saving and Making Money in a Changing Climate

A Practical Guide for Farmers and Land Managers in the East Midlands

Updated 2013

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CLIMATE EAST MIDLANDS | ADAPTATION GUIDE FOR BUSINESS

Content
This guide has been updated and published by Climate East Midlands, July 2013. It has been adapted from a concept originated and developed bythe followingfunding partners within the West Midlands, in collaboration with the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) and the Government Office West Midlands: The West Midlands Climate Change Adaptation Partnership Advantage West Midlands Environment Agency Business Link West Midlands DEFRA Quoting, copying and reproduction for business purposes is permitted so long as full acknowledgement is given.

What do I need to know?

What are the effects of a changing climate likely to be? How do weather and climate impact my business? 1 2

What can I do to prepare?

So, whats in it for my business? How might I be affected? Emergency contacts and important information Checklist 3 4 5 6

Useful tools and further information

What do I need to know?

What are the effects of a changing climate likely to be?
More frequent and severe flooding
The majority of flooding is caused by heavy rainfall which can lead to rivers overtopping their banks or drainage systems being unable to cope with the volume of water. In the East Midlands, the estimated increase in average winter rainfall is 6% by the 2020s. The period from April to June 2012 was the wettest on record, and 2012 saw the wettest summer in 100 years. The BBC reported that this cost Britains rural economy 1 billion. Farmers, tourist businesses and events organisers were affected. The floods of 2007 cost Lincolnshire County Council 1.85m in roads and property damage. The floods also caused disruption to major infrastructure such as the closure of the M1 at J30. Do you know if your business (or key employees homes) are in a flood risk area? If so, would your business survive a serious flood? How would electric and computer systems, stock and machinery be affected? How long would it take to recover?

Drought
A 4% reduction in summer rainfall is estimated by the 2020s which, combined with increased temperatures, could result in more droughts in the East Midlands. Water shortages, particularly in the summer, could become more frequent. Changes in water availability could pose risks to critical growth periods and irrigated crops.

Storms and wind

Storm events can cause severe short term impacts including disruption to services. Northamptonshire experienced 66 extreme weather events between 1998 and 2008, causing the county council 1.33m of property insurance claims excluding costs due to loss of service provision and staff time. The frequency and severity of storms and strong winds may change. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest an increase in the frequency or severity of storms or strong winds up to the 2050s. Note: The above estimates of how the climate is likely to change are taken from the UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09). The projections are based on emissions scenarios, and show a range of possible outcomes and the probability of each outcome. The figures quoted above are the central estimates based on the high emissions scenario. For more information on UKCP09 see http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/

Hotter summers and milder winters

By the 2020s, the average summer temperature in the East Midlands may increase by 1.4 C. Heatwaves are likely to become more frequent. Seasonal timings will change, growing seasons lengthen, and new crops may become viable. However, there will also be less water available for crops and livestock, more pests and diseases, and a greater risk of heat stress affecting animal health and welfare. In the East Midlands, it is estimated that the average winter temperature may increase by 1.3 C by the 2020s.

Few people know as much as farmers about adapting to our changeable weather. This guide builds on that knowledge by looking longer term at how the threats and opportunities can be managed to build the resilience of farm businesses.
Andrew Wells, Arable Alliance Ltd and Farming Advice Service consultant

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How do weather and climate impact my business?

The government tasked farmers and land managers with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The industry has committed to deliver this through The Greenhouse Gas Action Plan. In addition, food security is now high priority, and energy and input costs on farm are rising. J  ust over a third of all farmers surveyed in England by Farming Futures said they were already affected by climate change, and nearly two thirds expect to be affected in the next 10 years. (Farming Futures Survey, 2011) 2  012s wet summer cost rural Britain at least 1bn. Factors included reduced visitor numbers at countryside attractions, cancelled events, additional feed costs for livestock farmers, and poor crop yields. (BBC) T  he 2007 floods cost East Midlands farmers tens of millions of pounds in lost crops, with several individual farmers losing half a million pounds each. Losses were in vegetables and potatoes in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, and combinable crops (wheat, barley, oil seed rape) and grass where the rain fell heaviest (NFU). A  ccording to Farming Futures Climate Change Survey 2011, 43% of respondents saw unpredictable weather as the climate change risk most likely to affect their business. 50% of respondents thought climate change would present risks and opportunities in equal measure. I  n the year April 2011 to March 2012 the Environment Agency in Midlands East Area restricted 166 abstraction licences because of low river flows, whereas in the year April 2012 to March 2013 only 12 abstraction licences were restricted because of low river flows. Preparing for a changing climate makes good business sense. Experience in the East Midlands has shown that extreme weather could have serious consequences for your business operations: not just for your farm, but also by disrupting your suppliers, distribution or customers.

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What can I do to prepare?

So, whats in it for my business?
Like any other issue facing your business, it is important to understand how extreme weather and climate change impacts could affect you. Planning ahead rather than responding reactively will help you to: M  anage the risks and costs that severe weather can bring: build resilience and contingency planning into your farming operations e.g. irrigation reservoirs or improved scheduling to combat water shortages. Save money through resource recycling (capture storage - reuse) e.g. through rainwater harvesting. I  mprove business performance e.g. more efficient food production through improved management of resources (nutrients, soil, water). T  ake advantage of opportunities e.g. to invest in onfarm renewable energy generation, or to grow energy crops or exotic food crops. M  ake your environmental and resilience credentials a selling point. Whilst some of the actions may have an initial cost, they should save you money in the long term.

Case Study: Fred Walter Increasing resilience

Fred Walter and his family run a farm near Retford in Nottinghamshire. The farms wide range of soils has prompted a variety of farming types: they farm about 1200ha of combinable crops, potatoes and energy crops as well as a flock of 1200 sheep. The farms commercial enterprises include short rotation coppice (SRC) and a planned anaerobic digester (AD) plant. Both these initiatives will help to increase the farms resilience by: Stabilising and improving the soil to help reduce the impacts of severe weather, and increase the farms productivity.  The farm is on porous, flat, low-lying land, with high groundwater, prone to flooding, erosion and leaching of nutrients. Planting willow for SRC helps to stabilise the soil and reduce soil erosion. It is a low input crop which requires little in the way of pesticides or artificial fertilisers. The products from anaerobic digestion form a consistent source of nutrient-rich organic matter, which can help improve soil condition and reduce reliance upon artificial fertiliser. Generating energy on the farm to reduce vulnerability to rising energy costs. With SRC, the willow trees are used to produce wood chip which can be used either for the production of electricity, or burnt for heat. The AD plant will provide electricity, and heat for wood drying. The wood chip is also sold commercially. Diversifying the farms activities to meet the challenges that the future will bring e.g. changes in the climate, seasons and weather patterns, and changes in the local and global economies. This case study draws on a more detailed Farming Futures case study, focusing on SRC. http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk

See Farming Futures factsheets for more information: http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/resources/factsheets

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What can I do to prepare?

How might I be affected?
Ask yourself:
In addition to the potential impacts that are common to all businesses, the agricultural and horticultural sector faces a different, and additional, set of issues. These businesses are directly affected by climate, and extreme weather events can have a significant impact. Ask yourself how your business may be affected both negatively and positively by: Increased rain and increased flood risks. R  eduction in quality and quantity of grass caused by lower rainfall and higher temperatures during summer (which may require feed for livestock to be supplemented). R  educed water availability (may affect yields of fruit, vegetables and cereals and ability to irrigate). H  igher temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (some crops may flourish). C  hanging climate conditions (could make it possible to grow alternative crops, including crops for energy). H  eavy rainfall events could provide opportunities for increased water storage for use during water shortages. H  igher summer temperatures and reduced cloud cover (could increase the risk of heatstroke and sunburn for livestock in open pasture). H  igher average winter temperatures (could reduce problems for livestock in freezing weather). H  igher winter temperatures and fewer days of freezing weather (affects vernalisation of winter cereals and formation of flower buds on some fruit trees). H  igher temperatures (could increase the risk of pests and diseases in arable and horticultural crops).  Higher summer temperatures and reduced cloud cover (could increase the demand for outdoor leisure and tourism, which could create opportunities for diversification).

Take action:
T  hink about current trends and potential climate changes and seek further advice see below.

Further information
F  arming Futures factsheets: http://www. farmingfutures.org.uk/resources/factsheets A  full list of the Environment Agencys water conservation publications is available here: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ research/library/publications/33993.aspx  Examples of good practice can be found here: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ business/sectors/32757.aspx

Photo courtesy of the NFU

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What can I do to prepare?

Emergency contacts and important documents
Ask yourself:
D  o you have a list of contacts that you can reach in an emergency? Do your employees have access to this list? H  ave you got a copy of your important documents saved in a separate location, for example insurance policies, accounts documents, chemical inventory, livestock records? D  o you have a back-up of any computer records? Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 807 060

Emergency contact list template

Fire/ Police/ Ambulance............................................................ Local police..................................................................................... Local hospital................................................................................

Take action:
C  reate a list of emergency contacts - see the template to the right. K  eep your documents in a safe place, for example away from the risk of flooding. B  ack up any computer records regularly.

Local Authority Emergency Planning Department................................................................................... Water supplier............................................................................... Electricity company.................................................................... Gas company................................................................................

Further information
I  s your business at risk of flooding? Find out now, call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov. uk/113798.aspx T  he Environment Agency publication Would your business stay afloat? A guide to preparing your business for flooding has a simple template to use to create a flood plan for your company: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/ topics/flooding/32362.aspx

Suppliers.......................................................................................... Distributors..................................................................................... Key customers............................................................................... Waste management contractor............................................ Specialist clean-up contractor................................................ Specialist advice...........................................................................

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What can I do to prepare?

Checklist
Things to do now
P  roduce an emergency plan, including a list of emergency contacts S  ign up for free flood alerts from the Environment Agency call the Flood Line on 0845 988 1188 (alerts can be sent by phone, text, email, fax or pager) E  nsure all records and important documents are stored in a safe place, including insurance documents M  aintain the efficiency of existing field drainage systems, keep outfalls unblocked and ditches free flowing E  nsure buildings are maintained and prepared for more stormy weather

Things to do for longer term resilience

C  ollect rainwater for use in dry periods for crop irrigation, crop spraying and drinking water for livestock I  mprove irrigation application efficiency and maintain pumps and underground mains to avoid leaks I  mprove the drainage, structure and management of your soils and take steps to avoid soil erosion I  ncrease slurry and manure storage to allow spreading when best for soil conditions and nutrient utilisation I  mprove the infrastructure of your farm to cope with wetter weather e.g. tracks for livestock to prevent poaching, adequate guttering and drainage to cope with storms E  nsure all ventilation, heating and cooling equipment is working efficiently B  e extra vigilant for new pests, diseases and weed invasions to enable early action as necessary C  onsider diversifying cropping to build resilience against unpredictable weather and climate P  lant trees as buffer strips, to provide shade for livestock, reduce the impacts of flooding, and reduce soil erosion

This checklist has been inspired by Farming Futures factsheet 3: http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/resources/factsheets The factsheet contains additional actions you can take.

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Useful tools and further information

Who
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Association of British Insurers (ABI) British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)

How Can They Help?

The AHDB delivers research and development, and knowledge transfer programmes to support industry competitiveness and sustainability. ABI provide advice on insurance issues and have a range of insurance publications for SMEs Your Chamber of Commerce can provide advice, support and guidance on climate change adaptation issues. Find your local Chamber of Commerce on the website provided Business in the Community is a business-led charity providing practical support to promote responsible business practice. Its members work together to transform communities by tackling issues where business can make a real difference. The climate change partnership coordinates action on the causes and consequences of climate change, and is part of Climate UK. Climate UK is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company working with Climate Change Partnerships across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to promote action on climate change. They aim to investigate, inform and advise on risks and opportunities presented by climate change, and coordinate and support integrated, sustainable and effective responses. The Business Resilience Health Check tool identifies areas where business operations could be affected by severe weather and climate change, and produces a bespoke report outlining the actions you can take to make your business more resilient: http://www.businessresiliencehealthcheck.co.uk

Contact Details
http://www.ahdb.org.uk Tel: 0247 669 2051 http://www.abi.org.uk Tel: 020 7600 3333 http://www.britishchambers.org.uk Tel: 020 7654 5800

Business in the Community (BitC)

http://www.bitc.org.uk/ Tel: 020 7566 8650

Climate East Midlands

http://www.climate-em.org.uk Tel: 07854 284588 http://www.climateuk.net Tel: 01664 502 650

Climate UK

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Environment Agency (EA)

CIRIA provide information on the repair and restoration of buildings following floods

http://www.ciria.org/flooding

Defra is the lead central government department on climate change adaptation. Defra led on the UKs first Climate Change Risk Assessment published in January 2012 and led on the development of the National Adaptation Programme, published in July 2013. The EA is the lead Government agency in England and Wales on flooding and broader environmental management and is the Governments delivery body in England for climate change adaptation. The Climate Ready support service helps businesses and other organisations prepare for climate change. Information for the Agriculture and Forestry sector can be found here: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/139933.aspx Tools and information for businesses can be found here: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/policy/132329.aspx The FAS is provided by Defra, working with partners, to help improve the environmental and economic performance of farming in England. They provide integrated advice on cross-compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Farming Futures provides farmers and land managers with inspiration and information to ensure their business is profitable and sustainable in a changing economic and environmental climate. Farming Futures is supported, amongst others, by Defra and the National Farmers Union (NFU). It provides a series of fact sheets and case studies on its website, prepared for each farming sector: http://www.farmingfutures.org. uk/resources/factsheets The FSB is the UKs largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Gov.uk has replaced the Business Link website as the source of Government services and information for businesses. At the time of going to print, the Business Link helpline is available on 0845 600 9006.

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/ adapting-to-climate-change Tel: 08459 335577 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk Tel: 03708 506 506

Farming Advice Service (FAS)

http://farmingadviceservice.org.uk Tel: 0845 345 1302

Farming Futures

http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk Tel: 01223 342 313

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Gov.uk

http://www.fsb.org.uk/ Tel: 0808 2020 888 https://www.gov.uk

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Useful tools and further information

Who
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Kitemark

How Can They Help?

As the biggest health and safety membership organisation in the world, IOSH is committed to creating a world of work which is safe, healthy and sustainable. IOSH provides a range of free guidance and online tools aimed at both the operational and strategic level. Tested and approved flood protection products

Contact Details
http://www.iosh.co.uk Tel: 0116 257 3100

http://www.kitemark.com Tel: 0845 0809 000 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk Tel: 01392 885680 http://www.nfuonline.com Tel: 024 76858500 http://www.nationalfloodforum. org.uk Tel: 01299 403055

Met Office

The UKs national weather service, with forecasts available from its website. Forecasts are for anything from the next few hours to the coming season The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its members. A charity providing support and advice to communities and individuals that have been flooded or are at risk of flooding. The Blue Pages is a directory of builders, suppliers and other service providers who install or provide information on flood protection and resilience products: http://www.bluepages.org.uk An independent public body that works to protect and improve Englands natural environment. Information for farmers and land managers, e.g. on funding schemes such as Environmental Stewardship and Catchment Sensitive Farming, can be found here: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/information_for/farmers_and_land_ managers/default.aspx Information on sustainable adaptation and resilience to climate change can be found here: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/climateandenergy/ climatechange/adaptation/default.aspx The Government published the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment in January 2012, the first assessment of its kind for the UK, and the first in a 5 year cycle. Outputs include a summary report of the key findings, and a summary report for the Business, Industry and Services sector. UKCIP helps organisations assess how they might be affected by climate change, so they can prepare for its impacts. Tools that UKCIP have prepared include BACLIAT and CLARA for businesses and business advisors respectively. Explore the climate projections online. The key findings for the East Midlands are here: http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/21711

National Farmers Union (NFU) National Flood Forum

Natural England

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk Tel: 0845 6003078

UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (UK CCRA)

https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/uk-climate-change-riskassessment-government-report http://www.ukcip.org.uk Tel: 01865 285717

UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP)

UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09)

http://ukclimateprojections.defra. gov.uk

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Contact Details
W: www.climate-em.org.uk E: info@climate-em.org.uk T: 07854 284 588

Address:
Climate East Midlands Phoenix House Nottingham Road Melton Mowbray LE13 0UL

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