The Macedonian Agriculture Ministry on Monday announced a 400,000-U.S.-dollar project to protect the country's agriculture from climate change starting from 2016.

"By 2050, the average temperature in Macedonia is expected to rise by three degrees Celsius," said Agriculture Minister Mihail Cvetkov.

Experts in Macedonia say that the government can adapt its agriculture production to climate change, thus protecting it to a certain extent.

Producers are increasingly aware of the effects of climate change, seeking professional support and cooperation toward protecting crops. Activities are focused on irrigation, with 200 million euros (around 218 million U.S. dollars) to be invested in the coming decade.

Analyses of the effects of climate change have shown that economic losses among strategic agriculture crops would reach 50 percent. Povardarie is considered the most vulnerable region, while grapes the most vulnerable crop.

Furthermore, livestock in Macedonia is expected to drop as a result of the temperature stress effect on the animals, while local breeds are to be more resistant to the projected drier and warmer climate conditions.

New diseases and pests in crops and livestock are projected as the highest risks from climate change in the next two to three decades, reported the Macedonian International Agency.

Source - www.globalpost.com