Greenhouse Gas Emissions
At A Glance Project Details
Working throughout the Southeastern U.S., we’re partnering with vegetable farmers to adopt farming methods that support the local ecosystem. We’re also helping farmers markets promote the climate-smart crops grown in the study.
Who
Farmers of small-scale vegetable farms (50 organic, 50 conventional) and managers of farmers markets (30 total)
Where
The Southern Piedmont, running through Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama
When
Project prep: 2023
Study underway: 2024–2028
Organized by
Rodale Institute, a leader in organic agriculture research, in partnership with academic institutions, NGOs, and farmer associations
Education What We’re Monitoring
Soil Health
Economic Impacts
Social Barriers to Change
Marketing Commodoties
About the Team
One Effort,
Many Experts
Our project team combines perspectives from academic institutions, nonprofits, NGOs, and farmer associations.
Frequently Asked Questions You Might Be Wondering…
What exactly is climate-smart?
What exactly is climate-smart?
No, it’s not a redefinition of organic. It’s an emerging idea, and this project exists to further define and validate the term. “Climate-smart” refers to a set of farming practices that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural land and lead to other environmental benefits. Both conventional and organic farms can be climate smart.
Is my farm in the Southern Piedmont?
Is my farm in the Southern Piedmont?
The Southern Piedmont contains a group of similar soil types across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Dig deeper into the FAQ to see if your county falls into the Piedmont.
The Southern Piedmont Climate-Smart project is:
Historic.
The project is the largest of its kind by Rodale Institute, and it represents a substantial investment in this subject by the USDA.
Holistic.
We’re evaluating the climate-smart conversation from a variety of angles: agricultural, economic, marketing, and social.
Multidisciplinary.
We’re intentionally bringing diverse perspectives to the table—involving farmers and researchers, educators and students, academia and nonprofits.