World Meteorological Organization

Purpose and scope

The purpose of the Agricultural Meteorology Programme (AGMP) is to support food and agricultural production and activities. The Programme assists Members in provision of meteorological and related services to the agricultural community to help develop sustainable and economically viable agricultural systems, improve production and quality, reduce losses and risks, decrease costs, increase efficiency in the use of water, labour and energy, conserve natural resources and decrease pollution by agricultural chemicals or other agents that contribute to the degradation of the environment. Although sometimes combined, climate information is used mainly for planning purposes, while recent weather data and weather forecasts are used mostly in current agricultural operations.

Main long-term objectives

The main long-term objectives are:

(i) To promote economically viable and high quality production so that it can be sustainable and environment-friendly by strengthening Members' indigenous capabilities to provide relevant meteorological services to agricultural and other related sectors;

(ii) To foster a better understanding by farmers and other end-users in the agricultural, forestry and related sectors of the value and use of meteorological (including climatological) information in planning and operational activities.

Programme organization

The Programme coordinates and implement the acitivities of the WMO Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM). Based on its terms of reference, CAgM provides scientific input for the Programme. The Programme also provides adminsitrative and technical support to projects funded by donors.