ORGANIC IS PART OF THE SOLUTION We live in a time defined by major climate change disruptions globally. We are faced with increasing extreme weather, species extinction, wildfire, drought, storms, record heat and declining water resources. Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), rural and economically insecure communities are most affected by climate-related disasters. The climate crisis represents an economic, environmental and social justice crisis for the entire world. Agriculture is vulnerable to the current impacts of climate change. Further, we know that certain agricultural practices significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s time to carefully consider lessons learned from 20th-century food production paradigms and rebuild a better, brighter food future. Organic, responsible and regenerative agriculture is a solution to climate change. Farmers can be a part of that solution. We can revitalize agriculture and mitigate climate change with technical knowledge, conservation and organic practices. Organic agriculture utilizes holistic management systems that optimize production within the finite constraints of natural resources while protecting the health of people and the planet. It’s important to acknowledge that many climate-friendly practices, such as cover crops and rotational grazing, trace back to Indigenous, African and communities of color. These farmers worked the land harmoniously for centuries. They played a critical role in developing agricultural innovation that we now recognize as the core principles of organic, regenerative agriculture and land preservation. The threat climate change poses to our future is bleak. It’s time we take bold, decisive action to ensure agriculture not only survives in the face of climate change but thrives. We can cultivate a compelling organic community by focusing on what organic supports and promotes – soil health, biodiversity, clean water, worker safety, economic opportunity and good food for all people. Jacobs Farm / del Cabo Photo by Francisco Salas
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GROWTH & IMPACT REPORT | Oregon Tilth
