Farmer presents to a large group at the farm
To support the region’s efforts to address the effects of climate change, the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians using funds from the Climate Ready Program to scale up their carbon farming operations on Pauma Tribal Farms. This project includes funding for on-farm practices such as cropping, compost application, hedgerow installation, no-till, and a transition from row crops to trees for 35 acres of farmland.
Climate change is not a future threat or predicted stressor for San Diego County farmers – this global shift is already felt from the effects of rising temperatures, erratic weather, and dwindling groundwater supplies. Local groups including the San Diego County Farm Bureau and the San Diego Food System Alliance have already called for a progressive set of climate change policies for the region. One clear solution is carbon farming, which can build resilience, conserve water, and sequester GHGs in support of both climate adaptation and mitigation.
These funds will also help strengthen existing collaborations between tribal, state, and federal conservation programs in San Diego County. One priority of this project is the development of a regional knowledge network that demonstrates the benefits of carbon sink agriculture. In November 2019, the Pauma Tribe held a Carbon Sink Farming Convergence, which brought together over 100 farmers, scientists, policy makers, and others to demonstrate the benefits of carbon farming practices.
“The Pauma Tribe and its partners are bringing together a fabulous group of collaborators to build resiliency to climate change. It’s the kind of diverse community we need everywhere, and we are delighted to support this effort,” said Sam Schuchat, Executive Director of the State Coastal Conservancy.
As Californians face the unprecedented threats of climate change, projects that increase resiliency of communities and collaboration across traditionally siloed sectors are necessary to overcome these challenges. This collaboration between tribal, state, and federal programs is a successful example of knowledge sharing to promote solutions and strategies that offer adaptation and mitigation benefits.
Farmers congregate beneath a large canopy tent