As the US experiences a cooldown in inflation, the external temperature is on the rise, marking one of the hottest summers on record both nationally and globally. This climatic shift is not only impacting US consumers through increased electricity bills but is also poised to affect the cost of fruits and vegetables. A trend reversal is anticipated as farmers encounter elevated cultivation costs due to the heat, contrasting with the previous year's 1% decrease in fruit and vegetable prices, as reported by June's Consumer Price Index data.
Tom Avinelis, an organic farm owner in Fresno, California, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon, notes the near-record heat waves, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, have significantly reduced harvestable produce by causing fruit to shrivel. Despite the immediate impact not affecting seasonal fruit prices due to pre-negotiated contracts, Avinelis foresees a future where consumer prices will reflect the increased costs of adapting farming practices to extreme temperatures. This includes investments in advanced irrigation systems, although organic farms remain at a disadvantage compared to those employing protective measures akin to plant sunscreen.
Moreover, the heat's impact extends beyond fruits to staple crops like corn, with a study highlighting annual revenue losses of $720 million for US corn growers, a figure projected to rise to $1.7 billion by 2030. Similarly, research involving strawberry yields in California indicates a potential 40% reduction due to temperatures three degrees above historical averages. These findings underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies in agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of climate change on crop yields and pricing.
Source: edition.cnn.com