The focus of this curriculum is adapting tree fruit production in the Northeast to current weather challenges and those expected over the next 30 years.
Tree fruit orchards are long‐term investments, with multi‐year establishment times and high upfront establishment costs. There are also no “one size fits all” solutions for the expected weather challenges, but this curriculum examines the science and options available to growers.
Program Objectives
Provide a tool that Northeastern U.S. tree fruit growers can use to identify actions they can take to make their operations less vulnerable to weather risks that occur now and that are expected to increase over the next 30 years.
Provide an overview of weather changes likely to occur in the next 30 years that are relevant to the operation of commercial tree fruit orchards in the Northeast.
Introduce tree fruit growers to concepts and methods they can use to adapt their orchard operations to accommodate changing climatic conditions in the Northeastern U.S.
Identify critical research, Extension, and other public and private sector support needs for the Northeast tree fruit industry.
Who is Involved?
There are two groups of people who play primary roles in the program. Program facilitators deliver core educational content, conduct evaluation activities, and serve as a resource for Fellows throughout the program. Fellows can be either farmers or service providers (e.g. Extension personnel, technical service providers, or other individuals who deliver direct services or advice to the farming community). This program allows Fellows to share their experiences formally and/or informally with farmers who are not enrolled in the program. These farmers, while not directly a part of the fellowship, may experience some benefit from the experiences of the Fellows
