Launch of Climate Hubs to Help Farmers Adapt to Climate Change

On February 5, USDA Secretary Vilsack announced the creation of seven Climate Hubs and three Subsidiary Hubs at Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and U.S. Forest Service stations throughout the United States. The newly formed regional network follows a similar model to the ARS Regional Biomass Research Centers set up in 2010. USDA will provide outreach and information to agricultural producers, regional climate risk and vulnerability assessments, climate forecast data, and public education resources.

The Climate Hubs seek to provide region-specific assistance on the increasing risk of wildfires, invasive pests, extreme flooding, and prolonged drought, and to coordinate unified risk assessment, mitigation, and adaptation measures across those farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners at risk.