Learn about how regional farmland loss and climate change challenge Concord’s agriculture, and the strategies being adopted by farmers, the Town of Concord, and the broader Massachusetts farming community to meet the changing conditions.
About the speakers:
Jamie Pottern (American Farmland Trust) works across New England to address land access barriers for farmers, protect farmland, and provide support to conservation organizations and communities. She is the co-author of American Farmland Trust’s Farms Under Threat: A New England Perspective research report, which analyzes threats and opportunities for a more resilient and justice-driven agricultural system in New England. Jamie developed and managed AFT’s New England Farmer Microgrants Program in its first two years and continues to provide programmatic support and guidance to small grant-making programs in New England and across the organization. Prior to joining AFT, Jamie managed the Farm Conservation Program at Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in north central Massachusetts and served as the Land, Community & Education Director at Agrarian Trust. Jamie holds a Masters in Sustainable Landscape Planning & Design from The Conway School, a BA from Brandeis University in Environmental Studies and International & Global Studies, and a certificate from The Farm School’s Learn to Farm Program.
Caro Roszell (American Farmland Trust) works on farmer network organizing, technical support and research around agricultural practices and soil health. Prior to coming to AFT, Caro served as the Education Director and Soil Health Projects Manager for the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter. Caro served on the Advisory Team for the state-commissioned Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan and is the author of “Farmers Share Experiences and Challenges Adopting Healthy Soils Practices.” She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Bard College and is a SARE Climate Adaptation Fellow. In January 2022, Caro was appointed to the Massachusetts Food Policy Council.
Delia Kaye (Town of Concord) has been Concord’s Natural Resources Director since 2006. She works with the Natural Resources Commission and its subcommittees, other Town officials, and volunteers to conserve and steward natural resources, including agricultural lands, in Concord. Delia grew up on a small farm in Vermont and is an avid gardener. She holds a B.S.in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist. In 2020, Delia was honored by the Sudbury Valley Trustees with the “Distinguished Public Service Award”.