UNH Extension hosts climate resilience workshops for farmers

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Extension, in partnership with the New Hampshire Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (NHVGBA), is offering a series of workshops to help farmers adapt to the increasing challenges posed by climate change. These sessions aim to provide practical solutions for mitigating extreme weather impacts and enhancing farm resilience.

“Physically Protecting Your Crops”

The first workshop, “Physically Protecting Your Crops,” will be held on July 16, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Spring Ledge Farm, 37 Main St, New London, New Hampshire.

Participants will explore efficiency improvements and technology enhancements for controlled environments such as high and low tunnels and netted structures. The session will focus on strategies to protect crops from extreme heat and wind.

Spring Ledge Farm, a pioneer in adopting energy-efficient technologies, will share their advancements and efficiency improvements. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will also discuss available programs for energy conservation and technology upgrades. Attendees will earn 2.0 pesticide recertification credits.

“Resilience Against Extreme Weather”

The second workshop, “Resilience Against Extreme Weather,” is set for August 20, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wilson Farm, 144 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, New Hampshire.

This session will cover practical actions to prepare farms for floods, droughts, and extreme heat, along with an introduction to emergency management planning.

Wilson Farm will share their experiences in training staff and working with local emergency response teams to ensure preparedness for unexpected disasters. This workshop also offers 2.0 pesticide recertification credits.

“These workshops are critical for equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the growing climate challenges,” said Olivia Saunders, Extension specialist at UNH. “We aim to provide farmers with the resources they need to enhance their farm’s resilience and sustainability.”

For more information, contact Olivia Saunders.