:: Changes in Climate will Modify the Geography of Crop Suitability: Agricultural Biodiversity can help with Adaptation

The impact of climate change on production of various crops varies markedly depending mainly on the region, growing season, the crops and their temperature thresholds. Cereals, oilseed and protein crops depend on temperature and, in many cases, day length, to reach maturity. Temperature increase may shorten the length of the growing period for these crops and, in the absence of compensatory management responses, reduce yields and change the area of cultivation by rendering unsuitable some currently cultivated areas and suitable, others not currently cultivated. In this paper, the Ecocrop model is used to project the impact of climate change on selected crops and areas that are currently suitable for growing those crops. Further, it is discussed the need for increased attention on breeding varieties that are tolerant of new climate conditions using the rich genetic diversity available in wild species and landraces, and incorporating local knowledge to hone selection of promising varieties for breeding.