March 23, 2011

USDA funds research on crops and climate change

The US federal government is investing US$60 million in three major studies on the effects of climate change on crops and forests, with the goal of helping farmers and foresters continue producing food and timber while trying to limit the impact of a changing environment.

The three studies are bringing together researchers from a wide variety of fields and encouraging them to find solutions appropriate to specific geographic areas. One study will focus on corn in the Midwest, another on wheat in the Northwest, and a third on Southern pine forests.

Roger Beachy of the USDA said that shifting weather patterns has already created a big impact on agriculture, and the country needs to prepare for even greater changes.

Around two dozen universities will also participate in the research.