Fresh Produce Safety Conference Workshop 2

Can climate data and forecasting tools be used for resilient and profitable farming?

Tuesday 17 October, 1-2pm AEDT

There’s no denying climate variability is impacting agriculture in both Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, rising temperatures and prolonged droughts have disrupted traditional farming practices, leading to reduced crop yields. The increased frequency and severity of wildfires have also posed a constant threat to rural communities. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, changing weather patterns and shifting rainfall distribution are affecting crop growth. These challenges have prompted growers in both countries to adopt resilient agricultural practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on their livelihoods.

In this workshop Ashley Harkin, the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) Customer Engagement Coordinator for the National Climate Services for Agriculture program (CSA), will present a live demonstration of ‘My Climate View’ – a free digital product that offers localised climate projections for various agricultural commodities to help Australian farmers prepare for future climate conditions.

Feedback from farmers and the agricultural sector across Australia has been used to help the BOM and CSIRO develop the product to understand how it can best support longer-term agribusiness risk mitigation and adaptation planning.

The workshop will be facilitated by FPSC-ANZ Board Member Miffy Gilbert, an agri-business leader formally with AusBerry Farmers Marketing Group. Miffy will be joined by Samuel Spirli, an agronomist for Elders working with apples, stone fruit and berries. Sam is also a strawberry grower and will share his journey with agricultural technology and how it has been integrated into his families day-to-day farming operations.

Together they will explore the My Climate View technology; and discuss how growers can use the data it provides to make more informed decisions to adapt to climate variability, enhance their farm resilience and maximise profits.

If you attended the 2023 Fresh Produce Safety Conference on 10 August, in person or online, registration is free. You will receive a registration link via email. If you did not attend the conference, the cost is A$40 plus fees*. Click the button below to register now!

* Eventbrite fees & charges