New England Climate

As farms in New England adapt to the new challenges associated with extreme weather, they are increasingly invested in growing natural climate solutions to reduce emissions. Our New England programs accelerate learning about farm management approaches that help address extreme weather while providing the resources and training farmers need to adopt new practices and approaches. Central to our work is a solid commitment to collaboration, listening, and integrating farmers’ knowledge.   

Soil Health

Building soil health is the primary strategy farmers in New England already use to address the increased incidence of drought and heavy precipitation events, leveraging how biological activity in the soil can enhance soil structure, limit erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase plant available water. This enhanced biological cycling can also increase soil carbon content, making soil health a vital strategy that links carbon drawdown with climate adaptation. While soil health is not the only strategy farmers use to enhance climate resilience in New England Agriculture, it is a natural starting point for much of our work, including the Massachusetts Coordinated Soil Health Program, the Farmer Led Innovations in Reduced Tillage Project, Soil Health Peer Cohorts, and more.  

Regenerative Agriculture

Our Western New England Regenerative Agriculture RCPP project provides technical, financial, and educational resources to enhance soil health, water quality, and biodiversity on livestock farms in the extended Connecticut River Valley across four New England States.

Smart Solar℠

Solar power is an integral part of the path to decarbonization in our region, and we believe it is essential to be thoughtful and proactive about how the growth of solar interfaces with farms. We collaborate with farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders to identify the best practices for siting solar panels and explore the potential for agrivoltaics on farms.