4. Agricultural pests

         Ranges and populations of agricultural pests may change



5. Farm-level adjustments

         Changed planting dates

         Changed crop species or varieties, double cropping

         Equipment changes, particularly at cropping boundaries

6. Livestock effects

         Higher temperature may increase diseases and heat stress

         Cold stress may either increase or decrease

         Reproductive capabilities may decrease




7. Policy implications

         Research on agricultural productivity should be maintained

Agricultural research on vulnerabilities should be increased, including heat and drought tolerant crops, and germ plasm maintenance

Farm policy should be evaluated for ability to adapt to global warming. Flexibility will be needed in shifting crop types and farm practices, and consideration is needed for issues such as soil erosion and water quality.

         International balance of trade issues need to be evaluated

         A national drought policy needs to be established



Reference:

Smith, Joel B.,and Dennis A.Tirpak, 1989: The potential effects of global climate change
         on the United States. USEPA Office of Policy, Plannin~ and Evaluation.