Climate Smart Foodways
Farmers and ranchers are important stewards of our shared air, water, and soil resources. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases (GHGs) especially carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—that trap heat in the atmosphere. Food system activities that produce GHGs and contribute to climate change include food production, transport, storing, and waste. Prioritizing climate-smart foodways can help Arizonans overcome climate change challenges and build climate resilience and mitigation for the entire state.
For Arizona Food Systems Network (AZFSN) climate-smart foodways are policies and practices associated with how we grow, gather, move, prepare, consume, and share food in a way that addresses climate mitigation and resilience; improves water utilization; prevents soil erosion and promotes soil health; honors Indigenous practices; and supports worker health and economic livelihood unique to Arizona’s diverse regions and communities.
For Arizona Food Systems Network (AZFSN) climate-smart foodways are policies and practices associated with how we grow, gather, move, prepare, consume, and share food in a way that addresses climate mitigation and resilience; improves water utilization; prevents soil erosion and promotes soil health; honors Indigenous practices; and supports worker health and economic livelihood unique to Arizona’s diverse regions and communities.
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The climate smart foodways priority area has three objectives. Explore the indicators we are tracking for each objective below. The stages of change model is used to describe the progress on each objective of the food action plan.
We are asking AZFSN partners to help us gather and collect data across the state to help track and monitor the progress of the food action plan. |
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Objective 1: Increase access to, and utilization of, climate-smart agricultural data that are shared in new ways to inspire action around climate-friendly farming practices through the creation of a state climate-smart agricultural data practices and measures hub.
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Status: Preparation
Description: AZFSN members will compile climate-smart data and resources from colleges and universities, municipalities, and local food producers to be shared and disseminated via a public online hub. Data Source: Number of climate-smart resources (research, toolkits, funding, policy) available in the hub, as well as the number of open and click rates for these resources. |
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Objective 2: Engage a minimum of ten Arizona municipalities in adopting climate-smart agricultural and food practices in city/town planning processes.
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Status: Pre-contemplation
Description: AZFSN coalitions, partners, and members will work to engaged with city and town officials during city and town planning processes to ensure that climate-smart agricultural and food practices are incorporated into planning documents, including general plans, climate plans, and food plans. Data Source: Number of cities/towns AZFSN members are actively engaged with in climate-smart agricultural and food practices. |
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Objective 3: Increase the number of AZFSN partners mobilizing to act on climate-smart agricultural policies at the local, state and federal levels.
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Status: Pre-contemplation
Description: AZFSN will increase understanding of climate-smart agriculture policies to build members' capacity to mobilize around efforts at the local, state, and federal level. Data Source: Annual survey question: Are you actively working on climate-smart agriculture policies at the local, state, and/or federal levels? |
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