Review of Key National and Regional Policies and Incentives to Support Adaptation and Adaptive Capacity in the Agricultural Sector

Adaptation to climate change impacts is increasingly recognized as a priority for policy-making.

In this paper, we specifically examined the types of policies and measures that are being considered, designed and implemented in select Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries to support adaptation in the agricultural sector—the UK, Finland, Germany and three U.S. states. Key steps in policy could include establishing advisory bodies and working groups, involving stakeholders in all stages of policy development, and developing a vision and/or framework to guide integration of adaptation policy with existing policy and across sectors and various objectives. It can able be concluded at the sectoral level that vulnerability assessments of agricultural systems and reviews of current management standards, practices and plans were conducted, and was suggested to adaptation needs in the agricultural sector concurrently with other priorities including the use of innovative policy tools for incorporating adaptation. Finally to promote innovations, it was suggested to spearhead pilot initiatives to broaden the impact and uptake of adaptation options; highlight existing actions by agricultural stakeholders and involve stakeholders in policy development; develop a suite of adaptation options that can be adjusted to particular contexts at a farm, ecosystem, community and regional level; and establish extension agencies, communication strategies and dialogue with agricultural producers and farmers to assist in integrating climate data and possible adaption actions into their practices.