Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2014 09:07:07 -0500
From: Abundance Foundation
Subject: Abundance Foundation Conference Supports NC Farmers through Climate Change
PITTSBORO- Next month, the Abundance Foundation will host a conference to help North Carolina farmers and gardeners adapt their production methods to the changing climate. The 2nd Annual Farming Adaptation Conference educates North Carolina farmers about risk and variability of crops and livestock, and provides strategies for reducing vulnerabilities for today and five to ten years down the road.
The conference will cover topics such as water and weather challenges forecasted for North Carolina, tools and techniques for effective season extension, why and how to create a strong regional organic seed system, and
keys to improving water management, among others. The conference will be geared towards farmers, gardeners, agriculture researchers and local food advocates.
The 2nd Annual Farming Adaptation Conference takes place on Friday, February 7th at Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro from 8 AM to 4 PM. The full schedule and registration are available online at
www.abundancefoundation.org.
The conference kicks off on February 6th with a reception at the
Fearrington Barn featuring a panel of experts who will each give their
perspectives on carbon and climate and the state of our world. The
conference’s “amuse bouche” will be hosted by Frank Stasio of WUNC’s “The
State of Things” and the panel will include Albert Bates (author of The
Biochar Solution, The Post Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook, and
Climate in Crisis and cofounder of Global Village Institute for Appropriate
Technology), as well as Liane Salgado, Michiel Doorn and Lyle Estill. The
event will include appetizers, drinks, and New Orleans Jazz from the
Decatur Street Beat Band.
There is an overarching need for researchers and farmers to work together
to tackle the challenges associated with agriculture in today’s climate.
For example, the growers in sessions of last year’s conference reported
that they were observing an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather
events, greater heat and drought causing early bloom drop, reduced fruit
production and an environment that was more difficult for farm workers.
Attendees of this year’s conference have the opportunity to take away
ideas, resources and scientific data to help adjust production methods and
sustainable practices. Farmers will also gain new connections with local
university researchers and non-profit organizations who will help them
design new plans and programs, since many farms need funding opportunities
to reduce risk as they experiment with new methods.
With farmers who are educated on risks and vulnerabilities associated with
current and future climate variability, our local food shed is less prone
to crop failure, job loss, and extreme price fluctuation. All North
Carolina residents will benefit from a stable and diversified local food
shed using eco-friendly production methods.
Event information:
Amuse Bouche – A night of Global Perspectives on Climate Adaptation
February 6th, 7-9 PM at Fearrington Barn
$5 in advance, $10 at the door
Tickets: http://theabundancefoundation.
2nd Annual Farming Adaptation Conference
February 7th, 8 AM-4 PM at Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro
(Chatham County)
$25 for farmers, students and seniors until January 20 ($35 after); $35 for
non-farmers and researchers until January 20 ($45 after). A local lunch is
included.
Tickets:
http://theabundancefoundation.
Thank you!
The Abundance Foundation
919-533-5181
220 Lorax Lane #5
Pittsboro, NC 27312
The Abundance Foundation brings people together
to create more resilient North Carolina communities
through local food, renewable energy, and community.
Web – http://www.
Twitter – @abundancefound
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/
Join our e-newsletter sent out twice-monthly!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Cafeteria Man screening & discussion with Tony Geraci
Jan 13th, 3-4:30 PM at Chatham Community Library (at CCCC)
RSVP to save your seat here
2nd Annual Climate Adaptation Conference for farmers, gardeners and local
food advocates
February 7th, 8 AM-4PM at CCCC in Pittsboro. View schedule of workshops and
speakers.
$25 for farmers, $35 for non-farmers REGISTER
Pre-conference “Amuse Bouche” featuring Frank Stasio of WUNC’s “The State
of Things”
February 6th, 7-9 PM at Fearrington Barn. Panel discussion on global
perspectives on climate adaptation, followed by reception with light
appetizers, drinks & live jazz from Decatur Street Beat.
$5 in advance/$10 at door. Cash bar. REGISTER
Manifest Abundance with Lisa Dion
Jan 25th, 9 AM-4 PM at the Plant (220 Lorax Ln, Pittsboro)
REGISTER: http://theabundancefoundation.
Mozzarella 101: A Case Study with Whole Milk and Cashews
Saturday, March 30, 2014 1-4 PM at the Plant
REGISTER: http://theabundancefoundation.
Super Hero Bike Repair & Ride with Jason Merrill
April 19, 2014, 2-5 PM at Back Alley Bikes (100 Boyd Street, Carrboro)
REGISTER: http://theabundancefoundation.