Welcome to Monheim, where the impact of climate change on farming has become a major concern for 71% of farmers worldwide. With increasing pest and disease pressure, farmers have experienced a reduction in income by an average of 15.7% over the past two years, with one in six reporting income losses of over 25% during this period.
The “Farmer Voice” survey sheds light on the challenges facing farmers globally as they battle the effects of climate change. Conducted by life science company Bayer, the survey interviewed 800 farmers from Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States.
Climate change remains a top concern for 76% of farmers, with those in Kenya and India expressing the most worry. As Rodrigo Santos, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division, notes, “Farmers are already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change and play a key role in tackling this huge challenge.”
While climate change is a prevailing issue, farmers also face economic challenges. Fertilizer costs, energy costs, price and income volatility, and the cost of crop protection are among their top concerns. This is especially apparent in Kenya, India, and Ukraine, where farmers feel the pressure of these economic challenges.
In response to these challenges, more than 80% of farmers are implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gases. They are using cover crops, renewable energy, and innovative seeds to mitigate the impact of climate change.