Agriculture and Climate Conference to Address Critical Climate Adaptations for Winegrowing

SANTA ROSA, Calif. –  The California Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI) and Fish Friendly Farming is hosting a climate conference to be held January 17^th, 2024 at Saralee and Richard’s Barn at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The event, titled: Agriculture and Climate Conference: Adapting Today for Tomorrow’s Changes, will address current and future climate impacts facing California’s winegrowing community and will educate on climate adaptations.

“The urgency to plan for the future of winegrowing cannot be understated,” said Laurel Marcus, Science Director, California Land Stewardship Institute and founder of Fish Friendly Farming, “Climate impacts are not limited to an increase in wildfires. Drought and water shortages as well as rising temperatures will affect our ability to continue growing the wine varieties that Northern California has produced for decades.”

The full-day conference  will provide climate education, training and support for winegrowers and those working in agriculture. An impressive lineup of speakers and panelists have been secured and include state policy experts, winegrowers, fire experts, meteorologists, water supply experts and ecologists. Presentations and discussions will include past climate effects in California and an overview of predicted temperatures, droughts and fire conditions throughout the Northern California wine country for the next 100 years.  The effects of these conditions on winegrowing water supply and wildfire will also be covered. Tickets to the event are $20 and include a boxed lunch. The day will conclude with a tasting of wines grown from heat-tolerant grape varieties. 

 “Climate change will continue to challenge the Northern California winegrowing community,” explained Marcus “It is essential that winegrowers get the support and information they need to adapt to future conditions.” 

A full agenda, list of speakers and registration information can be found at ag-climate conference.org. The conference will be held Wednesday, January 17 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Saralee and Richard’s Barn at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. 

The Agriculture and Climate Conference is funded by a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

About The California Land Stewardship Institute / Fish Friendly Farming:  

The California Land Stewardship Institute (CLSI) is a charitable (501 c3) non-profit organization dedicated to planning and implementing environmental stewardship, restoration and enhancement programs and projects including scientific studies, promotion of beneficial stewardship practices, and resource conservation activities on private and public lands and waterways. 

CLSI operates the Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program in Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Kern, Amador, Placer, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Contra Costa, Yolo and Santa Clara counties. 

CLSI works with hundreds of landowners and managers, local districts, other non-profit organizations, grant and regulatory agencies, and a number of private consultants to design and implement environmental projects.

For more information, please visit: fishfriendlyfarming.org