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This paper describes the development of the agrometeorology science in Greece from the mid-1970s, when the first "Agrometeorology and Hydrology Division" was established within the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), until today. To do so, a series of representative agrometeorology studies conducted mainly by HNMS is discussed in chronological order. Through these studies, one can observe the gradual integration of the fields of agriculture and meteorology and the formulation of a proper multidisciplinary agrometeorology science in Greece, as well as the constant progress in the relative scientific production. Finally, perceiving climate change as a driving force for the conduction of long-term planning for the agricultural sector in Greece, the paper proposes as priorities for the future development of agrometeorology the provision of an adequate network of agro-meteorological stations, the exploitation of satellite information, the reinforcement of the communication between scientists and farmers, and the strengthening of the role of HNMS as a channel for ensuring mutual understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ireland has a temperate climate influenced by the Atlantic Gulf Stream. This, combined with fertile soils and adequate rainfall, provides an environment ideally suited for grass. Grass is an inexpensive, nutritious feed for livestock, giving Ireland a competitive advantage in this sector. Tillage farming is also an important sector for Ireland, and evidence of the Great Irish Famine of the mid-eighteen hundreds is still visible in the landscape. In this paper, we examine aspects of meteorological involvement in Irish agriculture, from the perspective of the Irish Meteorological Service. We examine the rise of agrometeorology in Ireland and take a look at the development of related services, including potato blight warnings. Two influential characters of Irish agrometeorological history, Austin Bourke and Tom Keane, are examined, as well as organisations such as the AGMET Group. The paper concludes with a brief snapshot of current Irish agrometeorological activities along with future ambitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteorological and Hydrological Service was established 70 years ago and agrometeorological activities (soil temperature measurements and phenological observations) started in 1951. Scientific research is divided into an agricultural meteorology, forest meteorology and plant phenology. The basic purpose of research is the impact of regional climate change on the crop production, on the phenological stages of different plants as forest trees and shrubs, fruit-trees, olive-trees, grapevine and maize, and on the potential wildfire risk. In the operational tasks short-range and medium-range forecasts have been produced for TV and internet since 2004, radio since 1990 and specialized journals since 1988. For further development of Croatian agrometeorology, future plans are using monthly and seasonal forecasts for prediction of the development of yield of major agricultural crops, for irrigation purposes, as well as for potential risk of wildfires and applying satellite data and nowcasting for warning purposes in agriculture and in forest protection against fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]