Local farmer goes global at NYC Climate Week

Caroline Radice, local chef, farmer, and owner of Black Dog Farm and Catering, took center stage during an event at New York Climate Week on Friday, September 26.

Radice was invited to speak at an event called “A Night Honoring Our Farmers: Food and Agriculture Storytelling.” It was hosted by Food Tank, a global non-profit organization that works to promote a sustainable food system, and recorded by The Moth, a storytelling show from WNYC-NPR Studios.

Radice captivated the audience from her opening line: “The entire population of the town that I’m visiting from is 4,700 people… and here we are!”

She spoke about her experiences as a farmer and small business owner, saying, “Farming and running a small business still feels completely magical, audacious, and revolutionary. I can just… do this? It doesn’t seem like anyone is going to stop me!” This was one of many lines that drew laughs and cheers from the crowd.

Radice also talked about planting the seeds for Good Farm Fund 10 years ago, and what the organization has accomplished so far, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for capacity-building grants, and also creating a supportive community that comes together when times are tough, such as during the 2017 Redwood Complex Fire.

Throughout her speech, she emphasized the importance of community and connection, saying, “One of the humbling things I’ve realized, as an adult and a farmer, is that I don’t think it’s possible to be self-sufficient.”

Radice was nominated to be one of the 10 farmer speakers by Bonterra Organic Estates, which also sponsored her to attend once she was selected. Hopland-based Bonterra has been a longtime supporter of organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming practices and is a major sponsor of Good Farm Fund.

Now in its 16th year, New York Climate Week 2025 included more than 1,000 events during its weeklong run, and an estimated 100,000 people attended one or more events. It is the world’s largest annual climate gathering, bringing together leaders in business, government, the nonprofit sector, and private citizens to discuss and work toward global climate action.

“There is no sustainable future without small farms,” says Radice. “Good Farm Fund has known this all along, and to have farmers included in New York Climate Week means that the global community knows it as well.”

You can watch her speech here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBqDsskMT4s