Climate change is among the top concerns for farmers and ranchers across Canada.
That’s according to figures from a phone survey by Leger.
Farmers for Climate Solutions commissioned the market research firm to conduct a national poll of Canadian producers during the 2024 growing season.
There were four goals:
- Assess climate change perception
- Identify environmental priorities
- Understand support needs
- Inform policy and program design
When asked about the main challenge for the nation’s agricultural sector in the coming decade, almost a quarter indicated climate change and severe weather. While 86% viewed themselves as good stewards of the land, 46% feel they can do more to improve environmental outcomes on their operations.
Even though climate change ranks as a top challenge nationwide, its importance varies regionally. Those polled in Eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada) said climate change is by far the top concern. Input costs and government policies followed. In Western Canada (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), input costs and government policies are seen as the top challenges. Climate change ranks third.
According to other results, almost 17% attribute the shift primarily to human activity. Nearly 48% view it as a combination of both human influence and natural cycles, and 6% do not believe climate change is happening.
Among the survey’s other main findings, 76% of farmers and ranchers report being impacted by severe weather in the past five years, such as drought, heatwaves, floods, wildfires, hail, tornadoes, or new pests and diseases. Almost 94% see improving soil health as a top priority.
Click here for the full report.
In 2024, Leger polled farmers about the top challenge for the agricultural sector (Source: Farmers for Climate Solutions and Leger)
