Research and Extension Programming Regarding Climate Change Impacts on Northeast Agriculture
CALS Impact Statement
Overview
Other
View All
Overview
abstract
The project is developing new high resolution climate forecasts relevant to agriculture for the Northeastern U.S., and providing new training, publications, and web-based decision-support resources for farmers and agricultural educators regarding climate change impacts on agriculture, and strategies for farmer adaptation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Evidence of climate change in the Northeastern U.S. (NE) includes not only historical weather station records, but also our own research documenting that lilacs, apples and grapes are blooming 4, 8, and 6 days earlier than they were in the 1960s (Wolfe et al. 2005. Internat J Biometeorol 49:303-309). An assessment of impacts on plants, insects, and pathogens in the region is needed, as well as an education outreach program to the general public. Climate change presents potential agricultural opportunities (e.g., extended growing season) as well as risks (e.g., increased weed or pest pressure) that will affect food security, rural economies and the environment. There is a critical need to provide agricultural educators with the knowledge and tools they need to assist farmers and local policy-makers in making informed choices within the context of a changing climate.
response
We obtained a USDA/NE-SARE grant to develop resource materials and hold regional conferences on climate change for agriculture educators and farmers. A comprehensive website has been established (http://www.climateandfarming.org) with downloadable fact sheets and powerpoint slides (with detailed slide notes) on topics ranging from: evidence of climate change in the NE; potential impacts on crops, livestock, weeds, insects and disease; farmer opportunities regarding biomass fuels; and strategies for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions on farms. Conferences in 2006 conducted as part of the project were held in Baltimore, MD and Windsor, CT. In addition, in 2006 we began a collaboration with a group of scientists in the NE to develop new 21st century climate projections for the region. Preliminary results have been published in a peer-reviewed science journal (Hayhoe et al. 2007. Climate Dynamics 28:381-407), and made available to policy-makers and the general public through a new website (http://www.northeastclimateimpacts.org), outreach publications, and the news media.
impact assessment
Conferences in 2006 conducted as part of the two projects listed above, and in participation with additional climate change symposia organized by the New York Botanic Garden (held in New York City) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (held in Poughkeepsie, NY) directly reached more than 1000 people. Meetings will policy makers in Albany and New York representatives in Washington D.C., followed the release of the new NE climate forecasts publications and website. These activities have led to coverage in local, regional, and national news media outlets, including the New York Times, Newsday, Rochester City News, and Ithaca Journal. Several Cornell Cooperative Extension staff have included new climate change information into their programming or organized their own local meetings on climate change issues for farmers and/or gardeners.
