We appreciate the article by reporter Chris Larrabee, “Farmers grateful to have normal growing season after devastating 2023 floods,” [July 17]. Devastating is a good word for it: river flooding on July 10th of 2023 swept away millions of dollars and thousands of acres of crops. It also was just one of a string of terrible weather events that ravaged local farms last year.

For us at CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture), this anniversary has been an opportunity for reflection on this hard truth: the essential work of growing food to feed our communities is threatened because of climate change. Recent flooding in New Hampshire and Vermont, almost exactly a year later, reinforces this reality. As climate change intensifies, we can expect more extreme precipitation events, less predictable seasonal shifts, and more heat, as we have seen this year, which stresses the people working outdoors, livestock, and plants. 

It has also been a moment for gratitude: for the outpouring of community support in the aftermath of the flood and the freezes that damaged harvests last year; for the immense resilience of the farmers who continue to work the land despite the financial and mental stresses caused by such losses; and for our local legislators and nonprofit partners, who stepped up with an amazing crisis response and increased support.

At CISA, we’re continuing to deepen our focus on climate resilience, providing expert support to local farmers as they adapt their crop plans, adjust their growing practices, and invest in infrastructure that improves climate resilience. 

We have seen that our local communities will step up to help when the worst happens, as it did in 2023. As we continue to hope that this growing season stays “normal,” let’s deepen our own commitment to supporting local farms with our grocery dollars.

Claire Morenon, communications manager at CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture)

South Deerfield