The project has made significant contributions to further our understanding of causes

and consequences of climate variability and climate change.

Scientifically it has resulted in the publication of 3 international journal papers in

renown climate science journals (Journal of Climate, Climatic Change and

Geophysical Research Letters), 1 chapter in a text book for agricultural students and

practitioners (Principles of field crop production) and approximately 20 conference

papers. This led to better targeted follow-on research as well as increased recognition

by the rural sectors about the value of climate and agricultural systems science to

rural industries.From an industry view, the project has helped to improve the management of climate

sensitive systems by

• quantifying impacts and current limits to predictability of low-frequency

variability (decadal variability and climate change) in economic and

environmental terms

• identifying the MJO as a major contributor to intra-seasonal (high-frequency)

climate variability

• providing an operational prototype of an MJO-based forecast system that has

already proven very popular with rural practitioners

• providing scientific input into the debate on climate change and its likely impacts.

The project has helped to identify adaptation options and highlighted the need

for industry to become proactive regarding their overall attitude to climate

change.