Advanced Workshop on
CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRICULTURE
Shefayim, Israel
27 May – 07 June 2013
1. Introduction
The IMS/WMO RTC Bet Dagan of the Israel Meteorological Service has provided training at a post-graduate level since 1967. Several thousands of participants from all over the world, mainly from developing countries, have taken advantage of the opportunities provided by our RTC to study the application of meteorology to various aspects of economic activity.
The topics of this workshop are in accordance with the concept of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), where agriculture is one of the four key areas selected by the High Level Taskforce of GFCS.
Since Israel was successful with developing such agriculture, despite the negative impact of its climate and water resources scarcity on its agricultural production, many of the methodologies developed during the years could be used also for mitigating the results of climate change and increasing the agricultural production.
This workshop will demonstrate advanced Methodologies and Techniques developed in order to compensate for the impact of unfavorable climate conditions on agricultural production.
It will introduce Israel's knowledge in various fields such as: (i) Irrigation under changing climate conditions (ii) Microclimate Control in Agricultural Buildings (iii) Forecaster-Farmer Interaction (iv) Cultivation of crops resistant to Climate Change, etc.
The workshop's curriculum will include a combination of classroom lectures, discussions, exercises, demonstrations, field trips and round-table discussions.
2. Workshop Objectives
a) To discuss the effects of climate change on different fields of agriculture and agricultural production.
b) To demonstrate modern Agrometeorological Techniques and methods for mitigating the effects of climate change.
3. Main Workshop Content:
Effects of climate change on agricultural production:
· Precipitation distribution and changes
· Extreme Events – Floods, Droughts, Frost and Heatwaves
· Pheonological Effects
Agrometeorological techniques:
· Advanced irrigation methods
· Usage of marginal water
· Climate control in horticulture and livestock buildings
Forecast and risk management for improving agricultural production:
· Short and medium range weather forecasts and their impact on agriculture
· Usage of Economical Tools for mitigating the impact of climate change
4. Participation cost
· The airfare cost should be covered by the participant, by his/her employer, or by the granting institution.
· The total cost of lodging at full board for single in a double room during the duration of the workshop, including tuition fees and field trips transportation will amount to app. 200$ per day (inc. insurance). Total for the whole period 2400$
5. Scholarships
Scholarships, covering accommodations at full board (two persons per room) during the duration of the workshop, tuition fees and field trip transportation will be provided by the Government of Israel – MASHAV – Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation
A limited number of air travel grants may be available
5. CRITERIA
The Advanced Workshop is designed primarily for meteorological staff of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services engaged and interested in application of advanced Agrometeorological methodologies and techniques in mitigating the effect of climate change.
4. Language
The workshop will be held in English. A working knowledge of English is mandatory.
5. Training Staff
The workshop will be conducted by senior staff of the IMS/WMO RTC Bet Dagan having extensive knowledge and experience in Climatology, Agrometeorology and Agronomy, in Israel and elsewhere. Invited guest lecturers will also participate in providing and sharing their knowledge and experience in specific fields of expertise.
6. Registration
Interested candidates are requested to complete the attached Participant Application Form for the workshop and return it directly to RTC Bet-Dagan, Israel Meteorological Service, P.O. 25 Bet-Dagan 50250 Israel, to rmtc@ims.gov.il or to gershteing@ims.gov.il not later than the 15 April 2013.