4.2.13
Dear 25x'25 Partner,
As an Ohio farmer, the past few years have been especially
difficult for raising crops. And I am not alone. Many farmers, foresters, and
ranchers across the nation are adjusting their operations to cope with
increasingly variable and unpredictable weather. In addition, producers are
facing unprecedented economic, societal, and environmental pressures that
require that we farm for multiple goals, including feeding, clothing, housing,
and fueling a rapidly growing world, making decisions in volatile markets, and
renewing and protecting soil and water.
Fortunately, there are many options available to reduce risks
while strengthening production, cutting input costs, and improving the quality
of the land – even in the context of weather-related disasters like those
experienced in 2011 and 2012. This is the conclusion of the most recent report
from the 25x'25 Adaptation Work Group, a collaboration of leaders from the
agriculture, forestry, business, academic, conservation, and government sectors
that I have been proud to chair for the last two years.
"Agriculture
and Forestry in a Changing Climate: Adaptation Recommendations,"
offers various pathways in the areas of research, production systems, risk
management, decision tools, and outreach for building a more resilient
agriculture and forestry system shaped by the four overlapping goals of
profitability, productivity, stewardship, and self-determination.
The report, however, is not intended to serve as the definitive
list of adaptation strategies. Rather, it is offered as a means of launching a
national dialogue within the agriculture and forestry community on the types of
steps we need to prepare ourselves for a future that may not necessarily look
like the past. And while we know that the causes of climate change may be
controversial, we also know that we will need to address its impacts if we are
going to continue meeting the food, feed, fiber, shelter, and fuel demands
essential to the 25x'25 vision.
You can access the new report and provide feedback on it at https://www.25×25.org/adaptation. For more
additional information on this project, please contact us at adaptation@25×25.org
or call 410-252-7079.
We hope that you will join us in this important conversation on
how we can continue to build upon the great work already being done by farmers,
foresters, and ranchers throughout the country.
Sincerely,
Fred Yoder
25x'25 Alliance Adaptation Work Group Chair
Past President National Corn Growers Association