USDA Regional Hubs for Risk Adaptation & Mitigation to Climate Change

Charlie WalthallUSDA Agricultural Research ServiceBeltsville, MD

USDA Climate Change Hubs Taking action on climate change …..

Climate Change & Agriculture: NeedsDelivery of science-based knowledge & practical information to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners Support decision-making on climate change Maintain and strengthen under climate variability

agricultural productionnatural resource managementrural economic development

Build capacity within USDA to deliver information & guidance

Technologies Risk management practices at regional and local scales

USDA Climate Change Hubs:USDA Secr. Vilsack announced June 5, 2013

Vision: Agricultural production and natural resources maintained and strengthened under increasing climate variability and climate change

Mission: To develop and deliver science-based, region-specific information and technologies to agricultural and natural resource managers that enable climate-smart decision-making

Service centers for science-based risk management

7 Centers“Hub” + network of partners (“Hub + spokes”) USDA in-house call for proposals: NO $$NIFA funds via university partnerships laterOCE, ARS, NIFA, FS, RD, NRCS, RMA.…USDA control: mission focusClimate change adaptationClimate change mitigation*

USDA Climate Change HubsTechnical Support

Develop Tools & TechnologiesDroughtHeat stressExcessive moistureLonger growing seasonsChanges in pest pressure

Value chain: Fast track tools & informationFoundational research + applied research +tech transfer + outreach & education

USDA Climate Change HubsAssessments & Forecasts

Periodic regional assessments of risk and vulnerability in the production sector Contribute to the National Climate Assessment* Provide accessible regional data Interpret climate change forecasts for hazard & adaptation planning

*Collaborative research opportunities

USDA Climate Change HubsOutreach & Education

Provide outreach and extension To farmers, ranchers, and forest landownersScience-based risk management Seek to partner with the land grant universities Extension, & private sector”

“One stop shopping for climate change info & assistance”

USDA Climate Change HubsLeadership

Each Hub as network center of connected activities or services Operational center located in a USDA facility

“Each Hub will maintain a vibrant network of public, academic, & private sector organizations,

researchers, & outreach specialists”

USDA Climate Change HubsPartners

Land grant universities; USDA researchers, programs, and field offices Private sector companies addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation State, local and regional governments NOAA & DOI (USGS) regional climate change experts Non-profits providing assistance to landowners

USDA Climate Change Hubs Roles of NOAA, DOI

“Complement USDA regional Hubs by providing data, findings, tools, & forecasts

that USDA agencies &Hubs could build into integrated services for the agricultural and

forestry sectors”

Climate Community Contributions

Climate Scenarios: Expected Future EnvironmentTemp, precip, Rh, winds, etc.Extreme eventsDuration of eventsForms, intensity of events: precip

Region – SpecificAre the designated Hub region boundaries appropriate?

Climate Community Contributions….

Help Provide Tools for Risk ManagementDecision-making aids for

ScientistsProducers & land managersPolicy makers

Easy to accessEasy to understand

Climate Community Contributions….

Partner with HubsCollaborate on researchCollaborate on adaptation technologies developmentCollaborate on regional assessmentsExchange dataHelp with education & outreach

Synthesis & integration of research results

Charles L. Walthall PhDDeputy Administrator (Acting)

Natural Resources & Sustainable Agriculture Systems ResearchUSDA Agricultural Research Service

Office of National Programs5601 Sunnyside Avenue

Room 4-2288Beltsville, MD 20705-5140

charlie.walthall@ars.usda.gov301-504-7987/301-504-4634