The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and Field to Market co-hosted a series of virtual workshops in December 2021. Our goal is to catalyze research that can inform stakeholders on the most effective ways to accelerate the transition to widespread use of conservation practices, specifically those that have been identified as “climate-smart”.
As global climate change continues to cause disrupted weather patterns around the world, there is increased urgency for all sectors to both prepare for unavoidable changes and to do their part in mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions at the root of the climate crisis. In US agriculture, this response is often framed as “climate-smart” agriculture.
Many of the practices considered part of the climate-smart response are not new. Given that such practices have been promoted and supported for several decades by US government programs, environmental groups and the private sector, can this history inform greater adoption of practices for climate mitigation and adaptation? Is new research needed to inform efforts aimed at increasing adoption rates? What conditions enable the success of voluntary conservation practice uptake in US agriculture?
Over the course of four short virtual workshops in December 2021, we articulated a series of hypotheses to guide research investment. The hypotheses are focused and refined, and a larger in-person convening event – inclusive of all topics, with additional input from stakeholders and funding agencies – will be held in the first half of 2022.
These initial workshops are divided into four categories:
- Access to information and education
- Cultural considerations in farming practice transitions
- The role of data and modeling
- Economic considerations and market conditions
Workshop #1 – Educational and Information Barriers
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 10:00am – 12:30pm ET
Workshop #2 – Cultural Barriers
Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 2:00 – 4:30pm ET
Workshop #3 – Data and Modeling Barriers
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 10:00am – 12:30pm ET
Workshop #4 – Economic and Market Barriers
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 10:00am – 12:30pm ET