Resources
Check out OrCAN's report,
Lay of the Land & Levers for Change:
Farming for Climate Resilience in Oregon 2021 and Beyond
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From the Introduction:
What does an agricultural economy resilient to a changing climate in Oregon look like? What is already happening in Oregon to make this vision a reality? How do farmers and ranchers need and want to improve their operations? Where are the gaps in research, outreach, and technical support for farmers? These questions shaped the focus of Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network (OrCAN) from March of 2020-June of 2021 . . . This report shares out what we've heard.
On the Science
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“Combating Climate Change on US Cropland: Affirming the technical capacity of cover cropping and no-till to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” A must read 2021 summary of the science to date, from soil science to the social science of practice adoption, very accessible for all readers.
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Climate Mitigation Potential of Regenerative Agriculture is Significant: The latest from leading scientists in 2020.
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Natural climate solutions for the United States: a solid 2018 study quantifying soil carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gas potential of natural climate solutions, including agricultural solutions, in the US. Also recognizes the additional benefits of these solutions for water use efficiency, flood control, soil health, wildlife habitat and climate resilience.
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Oregon Forests and Farms Can Fight Climate Change: January 2020 study from The Nature Conservancy and Portland State University.
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Carbon Sequestration Potential on Agricultural Lands: A 2015 review of current science and available practices. Includes a good Soil Carbon 101 section plus a deeper dive into the impacts of implementing different practices.
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USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Climate-Smart Mitigation Activities: a 2022 list connecting conservation practices and greenhouse gas mitigation potential. Also includes great short videos describing practices!
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Dr. Christine Brown has many soil health resources available on YouTube.
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In Search of Soil is a weekly podcast hosted and produced by Diego Footer, featuring scientists and experts sharing insights into topics like soil science, composting, cover cropping, biochar, no-till, fungi, and more!
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Beating the Heat: Statewide Assessment of Drought and Heat Mitigation Practices (and Needs) with Oregon Farmers and
Ranchers is a 2022 report from Oregon State University Extension Service. Explore a story map summary of the findings, or read the full report.
On the economic benefits of soil health
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American Farmland Trust quantified the economic and environmental benefits of soil health practices on farms in nine case studies on different farming systems throughout the US. Check them out here.
On practical application
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Train the Trainer: Climate Resilience Training for Agriculture Professionals
Now in its third year, you can find an abundance of resources in our materials and recordings from previous trainings at the bottom of the Train the Trainer webpage.
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A Whole Farm Planning Tool: Cultivating Climate Resilience on Farms and Ranches by Laura Lengnick
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Look for These Soil Health Indicators in the Field: an article by the Noble Research Institute
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US Biochar Initiative: A not-for-profit organization promoting the sustainable production and use of biochar through research, policy, technology and implementation.
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Soil Health & Carbon Strategies from the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts. See also the website's companion guidebook, "Carbon Sequestration and Soil Health Guidebook," linked at the bottom of the homepage.
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On the barriers & opportunities for implementing farming for climate resilience
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Climate change mitigation as a co-benefit of regenerative ranching: insights from Australia and the United States. (Authors: Hannah Gosnell, Susan Charnley and Paige Stanley). Understanding why ranchers adopt managed grazing is key to developing the right incentives. In this paper, we explore principles and practices associated with the larger enterprise of ‘regenerative ranching’ (RR), which includes managed grazing but infuses the practice with holistic decision-making. We argue that this broader approach is appealing due to a suite of ecological, economic and social benefits, making climate change mitigation an afterthought, or ‘co-benefit’.
Barriers For Farmers & Ranchers To Adopt Regenerative Ag Practices In The US. Identifying Key Levers and Opportunities- A Roadmap For Funders and Stakeholders. An incredibly comprehensive look at what we need to transition to more resilient practices centering equity issues and the needs of farmers. Also check out a January 2021 webinar on the report here.
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A Discussion on Decolonizing Regenerative Agriculture. Access a recording of this incredible conversation featuring A-dae Romero Briones of the First Nations Development Institute and Mark Muller of the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation.
On current funding opportunities for farming for climate resilience
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Oregon Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has several cost-share grant programs that currently fund best practices for soil health. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the more advanced Conservation Stewardship Program are two of these programs. Your local NRCS staff will be able to help you navigate these resources.
Learn more about working with NRCS by checking out this Guide to Working with NRCS. (While it says Beginning Farmers, it’s good for anyone new to working with NRCS.)
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Historically underserved farmers are eligible for ADVANCED EQIP payments. See more info here.
We also encourage you to review The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s:
Get Started! A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers.
On carbon markets
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Here's What a Carbon Offset Actually Looks Like - A solid 2020 carbon offset explainer from Outside Magazine
Check out Cultivate Oregon’s Informative 2020 Soil Symposium Webinar Recordings here
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Are Carbon Markets for Farmers Worth the Hype? A deep dive into the issues around carbon markets from Civil Eats.
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Climate Solutions for Farmers: Invest in Proven Federal Programs, Not Carbon Markets: a report from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
From OrCAN's view
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A Report from OrCAN's 2020 Convening: Practical Tools Illustrate Climate Change Mitigation on Oregon’s Farms & Ranches
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Oregon’s Cap & Reduce Plan: Are Farmland Based Carbon Offsets a Viable Alternative Compliance Option?