Upper Valley farmers held a kickoff of the Upper Valley Farmer Climate Network on Monday, October 21, in Quechee. The gathering included refreshments, conversation, planning, and an overview from UVM Extension Climate Program Coordinator Joshua Faulkner. The event marked the start of a two-year, farmer-directed, series of events to build a more resilient farmer network in the region.

“Upper Valley farmers are already facing the impacts of climate change in our region – and they’re responding with a range of mitigation and adaptation techniques, educational efforts, and political advocacy,” said Nancy LaRowe of Vital Communities. “Vital Communities is bringing people together to share best practices and plan for a strong, resilient local food system in the Upper Valley even as the impacts of climate change continue to unfold.”

With funding from Northeast SARE, Vital Communities will convene monthly climate-focused farmer events, beginning in October, 2019, and wrapping up in 2021. These 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. Farmers will explore together how to mitigate the risks and take advantage of the opportunities that a warming climate will bring.

The Farmer Climate Network is open to all farmers, from aspiring to long-time farmers. It is not necessary to attend every event to be involved. For more information, visit vitalcommunities.org/valleyfoodfarm/climate, or contact Nancy LaRowe at 802-291-9100 x106, or nancy@nullvitalcommunities.org.