In an effort to strengthen and support their agricultural community by proactively adapting to a changing climate, the Region of Durham has approved an Agriculture Sector Climate Adaptation Strategy, Growing Resilience.
“Preparing our communities to cope with and respond to the changing climate is an absolute necessity,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Durham’s agricultural sector is an essential piece of our region’s social and economic fabric. We need to continue to support the agricultural community and local food system.”
Home to more than 1,300 farms, which accounts for about 47% of the region’s total land area, agriculture is one of Durham’s largest industries.
The strategy identifies anticipated risks, offers programs and tools to adapt to a changing climate, and outlines an action plan to help the agricultural sector remain resilient in the face of a changing climate and extreme weather events.
Growing Resilience also lays out four strategic objectives:
Objective 1 – Increase local education and awareness on agriculture and climate change adaptation
Objective 2 – Build community and research capacity
Objective 3 – Enhance policy support for agriculture and climate change adaptation
Objective 4 – Address agricultural sector climate adaptation through the Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan (DCCAP) cross sectoral programs and other initiatives
Read more in the news release here and access the full strategy online here.
The development of the Durham Region Agriculture Sector Climate Adaptation Strategy was led by an Agricultural Sector Expert Task Force and engaged more than 150 stakeholders.
The strategy is an addendum to the Region’s lauded Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan (DCCAP).