Critical drought conditions, climate change, pest infestations, and economic depressions are among crises affecting food systems that seriously threaten the livelihoods and health of families in the U.S. and internationally. The impacts of resource-related crises have escalated into major emergencies, including poverty, unemployment, and hunger, as illustrated by the recent California drought. In face of these predicaments, resilience is recognized as an increasingly important and needed characteristic of farming and food systems. This forum will identify strategies and practices that foster resilience in food systems, and to help farmers and communities buffer against major stresses that affect agricultural production and consumption, and/or to prevent or reduce the adverse health and economic impacts from such conditions. The speakers will address documented evidence of resilience in farming practices, such as: the diversification of crops and varieties that can help to buffer against climate extremes and can also increase variety in nutritional content of foods; practices to increase water retention in the soil; and other practices or social programs that protect against harms to health of rural communities that are affected by severe drought. Questions to be addressed include: What are policies or market factors that impede resilience? What policies or practices are recommended to support more resilient approaches?
Free and open to the public. This event is part of the BFI Food Exchange Series.