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market-farming - [Market-farming] Climate Change, Risk and Phenology

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  • From: Roots Farm & Karen Sutherland <rootsfarm AT cwdom.dm>
  • To: Market Farming Community Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [Market-farming] Climate Change, Risk and Phenology
  • Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:09:38 -0400

We've probably all been affected by the increased risk and rising uncertainty produced by climate change with its negative effects on financial maintainability of our farms.  Prescriptions, especially those based on averages of past discrete measurements (for example, best calendar date to plant corn, expected first/last frost date, average rainfall for month of July, etc.) are no longer proving a reliable guide.  I am wondering if phenology (the use of natural signals that integrate more conditions than we ever could hope to measure -- for example, plant corn when oak leaves are as big as squirrel's ears, do X when such and such blooms, etc.) offer any more hope for risk reduction.  I am aware that many species have died out because their natural abilities did not equip them to meet changing times/conditions and that integrating past conditions does not guarantee valid information for future results.  

Anybody else interested in this stuff?  

Anybody have other ideas for risk reduction (e.g., promotion of diversity, building community/interconnections, etc.) in the midst of climate change?

Best wishes to all,

Karen

Roots Farm
Organic Produce
Fruits, Roots, Vegetables & Herbs
CockraneDOMINICA
767-449-3038




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