Farmers are faced with the daily reality of adapting to climate change. While researchers study changing weather patterns and innovate solutions for agriculture, farmers are on the frontlines, implementing new practices in real time.
Agricultural advisors are asked to provide support to farmers, but need guidance as they encounter new challenges as well as new opportunities (such as increases in funding available for climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture). Along with the critical information provided by researchers, these farmers and advisors need robust networks of trusted peers to share information, learn from each other, and build collective knowledge.
“Over the last couple of seasons, it has become increasingly evident that climate change is not a future concern but the present reality. We can no longer count on historical norms for rainfall patterns, frosts or thaws. We are more and more likely to have 80-degree days in February and 20 degrees in May. In order to be a viable enterprise, I want to have as many tools as possible in my toolbox and build the most resilient farm operation possible for today and for my children.” – Farmer Fellow, 2024-2026 CAMF cohort
From January to March 2024, 105 farmers and agricultural advisors launched their two-year journey with the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF). The focus of the first nine weeks of their experience was an intensive opening workshop series. Over the next two years, these Fellows will create climate adaptation and mitigation plans as they engage in learning, network-building, and outreach.
“All of the techniques that I currently use on my farm, I’ve learned from advisors and other farmers over the past 25 years. Working with advisors and growers that believe in an active approach to mitigating climate issues seems like the only way to make substantial changes to our farm.” – Farmer Fellow, 2024 - 2026 CAMF cohort
CAMF has four cohorts of Fellows. Each cohort is made up of pairs, with one farmer Fellow and one advisor Fellow. In this way, the CAMF program builds varying levels of relationships among participants– close collaboration with a partner, community-building within each cohort, and connection within the larger program network.
“I am craving connections with my peers... I find myself often feeling very isolated and overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. Sometimes I feel so inspired by the information and sometimes I feel overwhelmed and it feels impossible. I hope to gain confidence and strength in my goals as a farmer and farm management, while making friends with colleagues in this work. With the confidence I hope to gain I would likely speak louder about why I am doing what I am doing and feel more empowered to share my story…To be able to engage with other farmers who have similar goals or approaches to farming is an invaluable resource…Perhaps I don’t know yet how it might change my approach, but I hope it does.” - Farmer Fellow, 2024 - 2026 CAMF cohort
In year one, partners will work together to generate a climate adaptation and mitigation plan for the farmer Fellow’s farm.
The planning process involves a risk assessment, identifying options for adaptation/mitigation practices, a tradeoff assessment, and an implementation and monitoring plan. The second year of the fellowship will focus on implementing new practices and monitoring and assessing results. Fellows will also share their experience through outreach activities. Throughout the entire process, teams of “educators” will support the Fellows. Educators offer expertise, guidance on key resources, and provide program and process support. To launch the program, CAMF leadership (from the University of Maine, the USDA Northeast and Midwest Climate Hubs, American Farmland Trust, and other regional partners) welcomed Fellows with an opening workshop this past winter.
“This is new to all of us… the more knowledge we can gain and share, the more we can be ready to mitigate and adapt to what is going to happen as the climate continues to change.” - Farmer Fellow, 2024 - 2026 CAMF cohort
Over nine sessions, each cohort had the opportunity to meet their peers and learn from experts. The Fellows attended sessions on a range of topics including climate science, climate communication, disaster preparedness, and adaptation and mitigation strategies. Presentations were tailored to each cohort, so the information presented was relevant to their region and production methods. For example, for the Diversified Agriculture and Agroforestry cohort, Maine State Climatologist Sean Birkel and the Northeast Climate Hub’s Deputy Director Erin Lane joined a session to provide context on climate impacts in the Northeast. This was followed by interactive presentations from Caleb Goossen of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardner’s Association and Katherine Favor of USDA’s National Agroforestry Center, discussing how these impacts are affecting diversified farming and agroforestry, specifically.
Other sessions focused on practical strategies related to climate impacts. Dr. Hailey Schneider, a climate communication specialist from the University of Maine, facilitated a conversation focused on how to talk to a wide range of audiences about agriculture and climate change. Representatives from USDA Rural Development and Natural Resources Conservation Service joined to discuss funding for implementing adaptation and mitigation practices. Specialists from the Northeast Climate Hub—Sara Kelemen, ORISE Fellow, and Dr. Michael Cavigelli, Co-Director and USDA ARS Research Soil Scientist—presented on the opportunities and challenges of on-farm mitigation. A panel of CAF pilot program alumni shared their experiences with adaptation and mitigation planning, along with results from the practices they had implemented. Each workshop included activities and breakout sessions where Fellows could interact, share experiences, and ask questions.
Next, Fellows will begin the planning process and prepare to try out new strategies. Alongside that work, the CAMF leadership team will continue to provide educational and community-building opportunities. This will include optional workshops focused on a range of topics, from agroforestry practices to farmer mental and physical health.
The CAMF program helps producers find farm-specific strategies to build climate resilience.
It equips advisors with knowledge and experience to bring back to their ongoing work. But the challenges of climate change can’t be resolved in a season, or over the course of two years. Importantly, the fellowship creates a forum of peers and collaborators for farmers and advisors to turn to when needed. The Fellows can share with their networks outside of CAMF, boosting climate resilience in the broader agricultural community.
“We are flying the plane as we build it in the world of climate smart farming. I hope to learn more about efficient climate resilient practices that can be implemented effectively in the Northeast and to share them with my fellow farmers [outside of CAMF].” – Farmer Fellow, 2024-2026 CAMF cohort
For more information on CAMF, visit the website or contact sara.kelemen@usda.gov