BAV’s inaugural climate smart agriculture event, “Harvesting Hope: Building Climate Resilient Farms in the Berkshire-Taconic Region” took place on Thursday, September 21, at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. A panel of local farmers, climate experts, BAV’s knowledgeable staff, and concerned community members gathered and engaged in a crucial dialogue about climate change and its profound impact on local agriculture.

“Harvesting Hope” underscored the importance of collective action, and highlighted the necessity of taking action locally, right here in our own communities. BAV’s climate event was one of many in the region. 

BAV’s event demonstrated the growing organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainability and resilience within the local agricultural sector, offering insights and strategies for local farmers to adapt and flourish in a changing climate. Expert perspectives from distinguished climate scientists and agricultural specialists were complemented by the voices of local farmers, creating a better understanding of the pressing issues at hand for local food. 

A panel of local farmers including Meg Bantle of Full Well Farm, Dan Carr of Beavertides Farm, who also serves as BAV’s Outreach & Technical Assistance Manager, and Jim Schultz of Red Shirt Farm, joined Program Manager for BAV’s Climate Smart Agriculture Program Ben Crockett and the Director of Williams College’s Zilkha Center Dr. Tanja Srebotnjak, in delivering presentations that shed light on the local ramifications of climate change and emphasized the pivotal role of sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers shared their firsthand experiences and challenges, providing crucial insights into the real-world consequences of climate change on their farms and communities. The presentation by Ben Crockett highlighted the impacts of climate change in our region; unpredictable precipitation, yield loss due to heat stress, less predictable frost dates, as well as new waves of pests and invasive species, all of which pose serious threats to local farms. 

“We are grateful for the overwhelming response,” said Rebecca Busansky, BAV’s Executive Director. “‘Harvesting Hope’ demonstrated that our community recognizes the urgency of helping our farmers on the front lines of climate change. Whether it was the late freezes or this summer’s relentless rain and flooding, I think everyone in our community increasingly knows we have to do something to help our farmers. The collaboration and commitment on display at the Berkshire Botanical Garden were truly inspiring.”