Approach
Ultimately, lands may become more or less suitable for agricultural production in the future. Some lands may become unsuitable for agriculture, particularly in areas that become substantially hotter or drier, necessitating a change to other land uses. At the same time, warmer conditions may increase the viability of agricultural commodities in other areas, particularly farther north, and allow for expanded production. While many of these changes will occur at large spatial scales and be affected by national and global policies, individual producers and landowners will make the decisions about site-level production.
Tactics
- Shift agricultural production spatially, matching commodities to areas with better climate conditions or water availability.
- Convert agricultural lands to new commodities based upon altered climatic conditions, such as converting row crops to perennial forage where water availability decreases.
- Add lands to agricultural production, recognizing the potential of negative impacts on natural ecosystems or environmental benefits.
Strategy
Strategy Text
Beyond deliberate changes in farm commodities and practices, there may be a need for wholesale change within agricultural systems due to the degree of change observed in a particular place. While agriculture has been able to largely adapt to recent changes in climate, substantial pressures from climate change and associated socioeconomic changes will create substantial challenges in coming decades. This strategy touches on actions to respond to severely changed conditions in a way that anticipates continued change and uncertainty in the future.
Janowiak, M., D. Dostie, M. Wilson M. Kucera, R. H. Skinner, J. Hatfield, D. Hollinger, and C. Swanston. 2016. Adaptation Resources for Agriculture: Responding to Climate Variability and Change in the Midwest and Northeast. Technical Bulletin 1944. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Chief Economist, Climate Change Program Office. 69 p.,