Vermont farmers adapt to more frequent floods

Young farmers in Vermont are exploring new methods to mitigate the impact of frequent flooding and extreme weather.

Jenna Russell reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• Vermont farmers like Ashley Loehr and Antoine Guerlain are implementing innovative strategies to protect crops from flooding.
• The frequency of severe storms has increased, creating significant financial and operational challenges for local farmers.
• Newer, younger farmers are often more flexible and open to experimenting with new agricultural techniques.

Key quote:

“We’re doing things we’ve never done before, because things are happening that have never happened before.”

— Ashley Loehr, Vermont farmer

Why this matters:

Frequent flooding driven by climate change threatens the sustainability of farming in Vermont, impacting food security and the local economy. Adaptation and support for farmers are essential to cope with these increasing environmental challenges.

Read: Climate change will continue to widen gaps in food security, new study finds