A new study examines how small farms can profit from climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The research was compiled by the Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the Environmental Defense Fund, a nationwide advocacy group.
Case studies from three North Carolina farms illustrate how farmers can approach challenges posed by a changing climate, including severe weather events and hotter temperatures.
Recommended practices include reducing tillage, utilizing high tunnels, which are non-heated greenhouses, and covering crops with growing plants to reduce erosion.
Mark Blevins is an assistant administrator at NC A&T Cooperative Extension. He says the study shows utilizing these practices can help keep farms sustainable and financially viable.
"The point of all this is to look at things that farmers are doing, that will help out our climate resilience, help out our environmental sustainability, and keep these farms profitable so that they can keep growing our food," says Blevins.
Blevins says insights from the study will be shared at field days, demonstrations, and other outreach events.