Rice farming for climate change adaptation in the Northeastern United States

C Chuan Liao (Department of Global Development, Cornell University) J Jenny Kao-Kniffin (Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University) M Matthew Reid (School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University) W Wendong Zhang (Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University) P Precious Tshabalala (Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University) E Erik Andrus (Boundbrook Farm) Z Zachary Butler-Jones (Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University) J Jordan LaPoint (Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University) S Shuai Zhou (Department of Global Development, Cornell University) R Radine Rafols (Department of Global Development, Cornell University) S Seongmin Shin (Department of Global Development, Cornell University) M Mai Ichihara (Department of Global Development, Cornell University) A Autumn Pereira (Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University) N Natalia Butler (Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University) Y Ying Tu S Susan R. McCouch (Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University)

Abstract

In response to challenges posed by climate change, rice farming emerges as a strategic adaptation in the agriculture sector in the northeastern United States. Cultivating rice can diversify farming practices, create new sources of income, improve water management, and provide habitats for wildlife, enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems and rural economies. However, challenges such as methane emissions from rice paddies and the risk of metal(loid) contamination highlight the need for adopting best practices in rice cultivation, particularly in land and water management and the selection of suitable rice varieties. By learning from the experience of other temperate rice farming regions and implementing supportive policies, technology, and cooperative frameworks, farming communities in the northeastern United States can learn to navigate these obstacles, ensuring the successful integration of rice farming into its agricultural landscape.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 122, Issue 49
Published December 09, 2025
ISSN 0027-8424
Publisher National Academy of Sciences

Authors (16)

C

Chuan Liao

Department of Global Development, Cornell University

J

Jenny Kao-Kniffin

Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

M

Matthew Reid

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

W

Wendong Zhang

Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University

P

Precious Tshabalala

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University

E

Erik Andrus

Boundbrook Farm

Z

Zachary Butler-Jones

Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

J

Jordan LaPoint

Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

S

Shuai Zhou

Department of Global Development, Cornell University

R

Radine Rafols

Department of Global Development, Cornell University

S

Seongmin Shin

Department of Global Development, Cornell University

M

Mai Ichihara

Department of Global Development, Cornell University

A

Autumn Pereira

Horticulture Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

N

Natalia Butler

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University

Y

Ying Tu

S

Susan R. McCouch

Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University