VITAL COMMUNITIES
Building a Resilient Farmer Network
Global climate change is a growing threat to Upper Valley farmers and the communities that rely on them. Upper Valley farmers are responding with a range of climate and adaptation techniques, educational efforts, and political advocacy. With funding from Northeast SARE, Vital Communities will be convening regular climate-focused farmer events to build a resilient farmer network that is better prepared to mitigate the risks and take advantage of the opportunities that a warming climate will bring. These consistent, farmer-directed gatherings will focus on farmer-to-farmer learning, visiting experts, on-farm models and demonstrations, and sharing resources that could improve farm and community resiliency.
How Do I Get Involved?
Join us for any of our network events or reach out to Nancy LaRowe at 802-291-9100 x 106, or Becka Warren at 802-291-9100 x112.
It is not necessary to attend every event to become involved. Farmer participants will determine the direction of the Network.
Edgewater Farm Climate Adaptation Tour
November 6, 2019
Edgewater Farm has been growing produce for more than 45 years on the alluvial plains of the Connecticut River in Plainfield, NH and has been implementing climate adaptive field techniques for several years. Pooh Sprague shared how his family’s farm has been effect by and adapted to the changing climate. Chris Skoglund, from NH Department of Environmental Science, presented on the science of our changing climate and models for how our region and the world will continue to be impacted by global warming.
View Chris Skoglund’s presentation “Preparing Local Food Systems for Climate Change” here.
Watch at UVM interview with Pooh talking about farming in a changing climate here.
Can’t afford to take time away from the farm?
We know how busy you are and we value your time, so we can provide stipends for farmers to attend any and all of the educational events as part of the Farmer Climate Network. Contact Nancy for details.
This project is supported by funding from
