Three Stories of Local Climate Change

We were delighted to have three speakers who are all actively engaged in agriculture/horticulture who talked about their response to our changing climate: Ron Goerler, owner of Jamesport Vineyards, Dennis Schrader from Landcraft Garden, and Tom Wickham of Wickham's Fruit Farm.

Ron spoke about how longer autumns allow the grapes more time to ripen, giving a deeper flavor and higher quality product. Also, there is the challenge of the high cost of labor.

Dennis spoke about how variable our winters can be but nonetheless how more and more plants are surviving our Long Island winters. The weather is erratic, no year is identical. He mentioned the importance of honoring the harvest.

Tom described his experience working internationally and gthe challenge we face in growing basic food for all. Agricultural research has provided him with apples adapted to current climatic conditions. He also spoke about "covered agriculture" and the benefits of having access to growing tomatoes, for example, in greenhouses.