Red and green apple slices after the freeze-drying process

  • Rachael Ryan/Backyard Farms

    • Case Study

    Freeze Drying Crops for Increased Climate Change Resilience in New Mexico

    As a result of climate change , average temperatures in New Mexico may increase by up to 7°F over the next 50 years, decreasing water availability and subjecting crops to heat and drought stress. In response, Backyard Farms, a farm with multiple sites throughout southern New Mexico, freeze dries the crops of farmers throughout the state to decrease the food lost to extreme weather.

    Location New Mexico
    Year
    2024

    Details

    Hazards
    Changing Seasons
    Drought
    Flooding – General
    Multiple or All Hazards
    Assets
    Agriculture and Food Supply
    Economy
    Multiple or All Assets
    People

    Follow the link below to read the full case study from the FWS Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox (CART) case study library:

    Freeze Drying Crops for Increased Climate Change Resilience in New Mexico

    Funding & Building Capacity

    This project was funded by USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant and Cruces Creatives.

    Organizations

    US Fish & Wildlife Service

    Relevant Options

    To help farmers manage seasonal changes, support pollinators by ensuring that local ordinances allow beehives. Diversify food supply chains to prepare for potential impacts from changing seasons and extreme events. For example, support local food production by promoting new technologies, encouraging farmers to Educate farmers on selecting crops that can withstand a wider variety of weather and seasonal changes.

    Steps to Resilience

    Get Started
    Understand Exposure
    Assess Vulnerability & Risk
    Investigate Options
    Prioritize & Plan
    Take Action
    Browse all case studies