Faced with these size issues, many countries are changing their agriculture. This is also the case of Belgium, even if our country is less affected, for the moment, than other countries of the globe.
New varieties are tested at the moment so that farmers can adapt in the near future
“We can expect to have to adapt if global warming continues“, Analysis Philippe Burny. But the researchers, agronomists, and Belgian scientists did not wait:”New species are testing here with us, like hard wheat for the manufacture of pasta. It is usually produced in southern Europe, but it could tomorrow be produced with us“.
The sunflower fields are also appearing in our campaigns. Another plant that could be integrated into the production of our farmers in the future: soybeans. “”Already in 1935, we were testing on the adaptation of soy here in Belgium. It had not succeeded at the time but it may succeed tomorrow“explains the agroeconomist.
In our regions, fruit trees, apple trees and pear trees are among the future potential victims of global warming. “”All these species and varieties are very well suited to the usual climatic conditions. So, if these change significantly, obviously the varieties will have to migrate north. Not to mention the effect also, for example, of diseases. It is also a big problem: insects, bacteria, fungi, which may arrive with a long -term temperature change.“
But then, what are the fruit trees that could ultimately replace our good old apple trees? “”We are thinking for the moment of the apricot tree. He is not a classic fruit from home, but it is still developing little by little. Tests are carried out at the level of experimentation stations and at universities. “
These changes will therefore have an impact on the national economy. An impact which, according to researchers, must be anticipated by the political world. In France, faced with droughts in the south which impact the vines, the authorities have recently decided to provide financial support to the winegrowers who choose to reorient themselves. New aloe vera productions are emerging, and olive trees are now going up higher than the Mediterranean basin.