Climate adaptation for UK agriculture – research findings

We evaluated climate adaptation in UK agriculture on behalf of Defra - specifically around extreme rainfall and shifting seasonal patterns.

Background

In 2024, Defra commissioned ADAS Climate and Sustainability team to identify ways that farmers can adapt their practices to build resilience to climate change while strengthening the UK’s food security. The research was undertaken in collaboration with the Met Office Hadley Centre and funded by Defra’s climate service on food, farming and the natural environment.

The document, Research to Assess Resilience Measures that Support UK Agriculture in Adapting to Changing Seasonality and Extreme Rainfall, provides an in-depth evaluation of climate adaptation strategies for UK agriculture – specifically focusing on how farming systems can respond to changing precipitation and shifting seasonal patterns.

Read the report

Key findings and recommendations

1. Climate impacts on agriculture

The report identified a comprehensive list of climate impacts related to flooding, prolonged wet conditions, and changes in seasonality. Risks include soil erosion, crop failure, increased pest prevalence, and livestock health issues. The report also lists sector-specific impacts across arable farming, horticulture, livestock, and perennial production.

2. Adaptation measures

The report recommends over 100 adaptation measures, categorised based on cost, impact, and ease of implementation. Each measure was evaluated and qualitatively scored through facilitated workshops. The results were presented in visual grid boxes to highlight “quick-win” options (low-cost, high-impact and easy to implement).

Example measures include:

flood management: improved drainage systems, water storage solutions, and flood-resistant infrastructure.
soil resilience: use of cover crops, mulching, and agroforestry.
livestock management: modifications in feeding, housing, and disease control to cope with wetter conditions.
crop selection: transitioning to flood-resistant and climate-adapted crop varieties.

3. Evidence gaps and future research needs

The report identifies areas needing further research, such as climate-resilient crop breeding, pest surveillance technologies, and improved pesticide effectiveness. However, there needs to be better guidance and knowledge-sharing to help farmers implement resilience strategies effectively.

4. Policy and practical implications

The findings provide supporting research and an evidence base to inform the UK’s National Adaptation Programme and help shape policy recommendations for Defra. Among the recommendations was for the Government to consider how financial and advisory support might encourage farmers to adopt cost-effective resilience measures.

Read the report