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Farmers tackle hunger, improving land

A group of farmers are using a new initiative to meet the growing demand for food in a changing climate.

Ohio Smart Agriculture project coordinator Ernie Shea says the initiative focuses on the impact of food insecurity and climate change on farming, and improving economic and ecological productivity.

“The conversation is really about what business are we in,” he says. “are we just in the business of producing food and fiber or do we also do other things that we should be valued for.”

He tells Brownfield there are many things farmers are doing through the initiative to improve land AND increase their bottom line.

“Good conservation practices that will help control soil erosion, manage water flows, will provide additional cushions and barriers,” he says.

He says farmers are also looking beyond current risk management programs like crop insurance to find ways to protect against and manage risk.

“The conversation is ongoing, there’s no one silver bullet solution,” he says. “This is a conversation about silver BBs and we’re learning about each other as we go forward.”

Solutions from the Land, a nonprofit that focuses on land-based solutions to solve problems, started the Ohio Smart Agriculture initiative.

Audio: Ernie Shea, Solutions from the Land and Ohio Smart Agriculture