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Implications of changes in climatic averages and variability on food production opportunities in Ontario, Canada

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Abstract

This paper explores the implications of changes in climatic averages and a range in precipitation levels on food production opportunities at the farm, regional and provincial levels for the province of Ontario. A doubling in atmospheric CO2 or its equivalent would contribute to extended frost-free seasons throughout Ontario, and possibly increase year-to-year variability in precipitation. At the farm level, these changes imply greater fluctuations in annual farm profits. The benefits of longer frost-free seasons would be impaired during years with relatively low precipitation, and under these conditions, the security of the province's food supply would be at risk.

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LRRC Contribution No. 90-06.

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Brklacich, M., Smit, B. Implications of changes in climatic averages and variability on food production opportunities in Ontario, Canada. Climatic Change 20, 1–21 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00144106

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00144106

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