Option

Support farmers in adapting practices to changing climate conditions

Details

Focus of action
Working Lands
Option

Support farmers in adapting practices to changing climate conditions

Focus of action
Working Lands

Examples from plans

This option appears in resilience plans from around the country.

Option from plan Hazards Sort descending Assets Region Source Plan
Encourage the breeding of livestock animals and adoption of crops that are better adapted to warmer temperatures and greater precipitation variability. Changing SeasonsExtreme HeatFlooding – General Agriculture and Food Supply Southwest Statewide Summary Report: California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment
Educate farmers on selecting crops that can withstand a wider variety of weather and seasonal changes. Changing Seasons Agriculture and Food Supply Southeast Triangle Region, NC Regional Resilience Assessment
Support small farms' efforts to deal with early blooms and cold snaps. For example, offer assistance with protecting crops from frost and freeze after an early warming. Changing Seasons Agriculture and Food Supply Southeast Triangle Region, NC Regional Resilience Assessment (p. 199 (pdf p. 211))
Encourage farmers to update production practices to adapt to seasonal changes. For example, farmers can change crop varieties and breeds, change the timing of farm operations, use season extension and Changing Seasons Agriculture and Food Supply National Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation
Encourage farmers to adapt to seasonal changes. For example, farmers can shift to flood-tolerant crops and change plant dates to avoid wet periods. Changing Seasons Agriculture and Food Supply Northeast Tompkins County, NY Resiliency and Recovery Plan
Work with nonprofits and universities to create outreach and training materials about agricultural practices that increase diversity and drought resistance. Drought Agriculture and Food Supply Northwest Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan (p. 75)
Encourage farmers and foresters to investigate potential backup water supply sources for agriculture (e.g., well vs surface water) in case of a drought. Drought Agriculture and Food Supply Southeast Triangle Region, NC Regional Resilience Assessment (p. 210 (pdf p. 222))
Develop and communicate water-use best practices for agricultural producers in real time to inform plant and animal water needs, improve efficiency and reduce water loss. Drought Agriculture and Food Supply Northwest Missoula, MT Regional Adaptation Strategy (p. 47 (pdf p. 63))
Work with agricultural organizations to help farmers identify and adjust to changes in pest management, cropping patterns, water management and other on-farm practices that may be required as precipitation Extreme Heat Agriculture and Food Supply Southwest City of Santa Cruz, CA Climate Action Plan
Encourage farmers to elevate the sides of hoop houses in the floodway to allow for the movement of floodwater. Flooding – CoastalFlooding – GeneralFlooding – Rainfall-induced Agriculture and Food Supply Northeast Vermont Climate Action Plan
Encourage farmers to help manage stormwater runoff. For example, farmers can increase soil organic matter for better drainage, shift production to more highly drained soils and install tile drains. Multiple or All HazardsWater QualityFlooding – General Agriculture and Food SupplyWater Infrastructure – Stormwater Northeast Tompkins County, NY Resiliency and Recovery Plan
Create education and incentive programs to encourage sustainable food production techniques that preserve soil and water quality. Example techniques include the use of perennial crops, diversified farming Water Quality Agriculture and Food Supply Southeast Southeast Florida Compact Regional Climate Action Plan - Energy and Fuel
Ensuring proper management of agricultural runoff water to reduce the likelihood of contamination during heavy rain events and flooding. Water Quality Agriculture and Food SupplyAquatic and Marine Resources Southeast
Encourage farmers to update farm technologies to account for seasonal changes and reduce fertilizer and water use. For example, farmers can increase the efficiency of irrigation; make use of weather and Water QualityChanging SeasonsDrought Agriculture and Food Supply National Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation
Encourage farmers to use disease control practices that minimize chemical inputs. Water Quality Agriculture and Food Supply Northeast Tompkins County, NY Resiliency and Recovery Plan