Approach
Farm-level diversification can reduce the risk of climate change impacts on a farm, thereby lowering the economic risks associated with lower yields or market fluctuations. At the same time, there can be costs to diversification, especially in the near term, due to the start-up costs and learning needed to initiate a new crop, as well as reduced economies of scale. This approach may be used by diversifying commodities that are currently used within a current geographic area, or used in conjunction with the approaches below to diversify farms using plants and animals that are to be better adapted to future conditions.
Tactics
- Add additional farming activities or new commodities to diversify farm products and revenue.
- Increase the representation of varieties, breeds, genetic sources, or species among commodities.
- Diversity animal products or ages, such as including both cow-calves and yearlings.
- Diversify varieties or breeds for different tolerances of cold hardiness, drought and heat tolerance, or other attributes.
Strategy
Strategy Text
As climate change impacts and risks increase, there will be a greater need to move from short-term, reactive adjustments toward more intentional, planned adaptation responses that are likely to create significant shifts in management. While adaptation actions vary widely in intent, timing, and scale, this strategy emphasizes a clear shift toward more substantial changes that ultimately transform the activities for a particular farm or producer.
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.,