"The Real Dirt on Climate Change and Food Sufficency"

Agriculture in New England is dying. Quite true. Agriculture in New England is being born. Equally true. Two different agricultures.” Professor John E. Carroll

What will it take to ensure food sufficiency and farm sustainability in New England as climate change advances? John Carroll, Professor of Natural Resources from the University of New Hampshire , will speak about the rising movement towards small scale, sustainable agriculture in New England and how this movement can soften the blows inflicted upon us by climate change.

Carroll’s long term research project at U.N.H. is entitled: “Infrastructural Bases for Agricultural Sustainability in New England: University Farms and Town Agricultural Commissions” This project assesses the region’s capability to feed itself and to find ways to increase the quantity of food which it produces for regional consumption. It seeks to pinpoint infrastructural needs within the region to accomplish that goal, with emphasis on the university farms of the six land grant universities. While he is an excellent researcher and teacher, Carroll is always mindful of the moral and spiritual implications of how we produce food along with the facts and figures.

John Carroll has written ten great books, including “Sustainability and Spirituality” as well as a trilogy about food and farming:“The Wisdom of Small Farms and Local Food; Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic and Sustainable Agriculture”; and “Pastures of Plenty: The Future of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Conservation in New England” and “The Real Dirt: Toward Food Sufficiency and Farm Sustainability in New England”.

The “Climate Solutions: Meeting the Challenge” Speaker Series is co-sponsored by six local organization that share a common belief that finding ways to resolve the climate crisis is critical for the survival of all life on this planet: ConcordCAN!, The League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle, the Social Action Community at First Parish in Concord, Musketaquid Arts and the Environment, Trinitarian-Congregational Church, and Trinity Episcopal Church.