Waves crashing over the Admiralty Pier, Dover.

A new Government initiative could help Kent’s land-based businesses cope with climate change according to an environmental monitoring body.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) says the first ever Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) will highlight issues.

The CCRA covers 15 sectors including forestry and agriculture and sets out the future farmers and land managers will face, such as changing weather patterns and increased pests and disease.

CLA South East Regional Director Rupert Ashby said: “This is a crucial and welcome first attempt to highlight the risks for farmers and foresters. Meeting these challenges will require new management skills with support from better technology and clear guidance to allow forestry and agri-businesses to adapt to climate change more effectively.”

Mr Ashby said the land management sector in the South East could make a big contribution towards adapting to climate change and highlighted how farmers and foresters can play their part.

He said: “Growing food crops that are more resistant to disease and drought and changing land management practices to allow more water and carbon storage in soils would all make a huge difference. Planning ahead and planting the right tree species in the right places would provide biodiversity corridors and shade, store carbon and buffer the impact of flooding.

“The report particularly emphasises the need for more research into the effects and adaptation strategies for the forestry sector. The Government has so far failed adequately to fund Forest Research which is working to combat the pests and diseases threatening our trees and forests.”

The CLA, with other key bodies, helped the Government develop the forestry and agriculture risk assessments and reviewed the final forestry assessment. The Association insisted the Government take a strong approach to developing business opportunities around climate change for both sectors.