The Impact of Climate Change on Summer Fruit Production
As temperatures rise, summer fruits face increasing risks due to earlier blooms and vulnerable to sudden temperature fluctuations. This threatens the quantity and quality of harvests, posing challenges for fruit growers and impacting availability for consumers.
Peach trees are blooming at Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, this week. It’s a stark contrast from last year when warm winter followed by freezing temperatures destroyed many of the state’s favorite fruit.
Owner Drew Echols, a fifth-generation farmer, mentioned that predicting when fruits like the iconic Georgia peaches would start blooming has become increasingly difficult. To protect his crops, he, like many growers, has had to get creative by trying out new fruit varieties or using wind machines to control the air temperature.
"The top concern for farmers, specifically those who grow peaches, is always the unpredictable weather," according to Echols in an interview with CNN. Farmers constantly check the forecast, plan their work, and hope for a successful crop.
With the climate crisis causing warmer winters and early springs, fruits like peaches, plums, apples, and apricots are in danger. The warmer winters lead to earlier blooming, and any sudden temperature drops during the season can harm or even kill the fruits, resulting in a significant decrease in the harvest for the year.
Blooming peach trees are seen alongside a covered field of strawberries at Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, on March 19, 2024.
Blooming peach trees are seen alongside a covered field of strawberries at Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, on March 19, 2024.
Georgia suffered a devastating blow last year when over 90% of the peach crop was lost due to an unusually warm winter. The state, known as the Peach State, usually yields more than 130 million pounds of peaches every year, with a value of almost $85 million in 2021. Despite improvements this year, there are concerns about facing another significant loss.
"As the climate continues to change, we are witnessing more unpredictable weather events," shared Louise Ferguson, a professor at the University of California, Davis. There are noticeable fluctuations in temperatures, leading to overall warmer conditions. According to Ferguson, the impact of these climate-related events will affect the availability of fruits in the future.
BOULDER, CO - MARCH 26: A firefighter watches as the NCAR Fire burns on March 26, 2022 in Boulder, Colorado. The wildfire, which has forced almost 20,000 people to evacuate their homes, started just a few miles away from where the Marshall Fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes in December, 2021. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)
In Boulder, Colorado on March 26, a firefighter observed the NCAR Fire burning. This wildfire has led to the evacuation of nearly 20,000 residents from their homes. It began just a short distance from where the Marshall Fire had devastated over 1,000 homes in December 2021. The image was captured by Michael Ciaglo for Getty Images.
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This winter has been the warmest on record for the Lower 48 US states since the late 1800s, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Except for a cold snap in January, the season remained unusually warm. However, this week, some parts of the country experienced temperatures dropping below freezing, making the first days of spring feel more like winter, especially affecting the Southeast growing season.
Dorothy Suput, an agricultural consultant based in Boston and senior fellow at the Croatan Institute, explained to CNN that the USDA Climate Hub data shows that while overall temperatures are warmer, the spring season is the most unpredictable. This is due to extreme temperature fluctuations, with highs and lows varying by as much as 50 degrees within just a few days.
Ben Clark, the owner of Clarkdale Fruit Farm, experienced a devastating loss this spring. Due to an arctic freeze in February and below freezing temperatures on May 18, 2023, he lost 80 percent of his apples, pears, plums, and other fruit crops. 
Benjamin Cook, a climate scientist at Columbia University and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, describes the process as a challenge for flowers transforming into fruits.
Last year, Georgia and other parts of the country experienced a really intense frost event that caused damage to orchards. This resulted in the trees losing their flowers. As a result, they often do not replace them, leading to a much lower harvest than expected.
Similarly, New Hampshire apple growers faced challenges in protecting their early-bloomed fruits from a frost last year. By mid-May, most of the apples in orchards were severely damaged, with saps frozen, insides blackened, and fruit cells ultimately destroyed.
Ferguson explained that when the cells in fruits freeze, it causes a deeper freeze that can tear apart membranes and damage the fruit's structure, preventing it from growing.
Fruits need a specific number of "chill hours" between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit to go into dormancy, similar to how people need sleep. As temperatures rise, the fruits start to bloom, but they can be harmed if a cold spell returns.
A green strawberry was safeguarded from freezing temperatures by being covered in ice overnight at the University of Florida/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit on January 24, 2022.
A green strawberry is protected from the freeze after being caked in ice overnight at the University of Florida/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit on January 24, 2022.
Last year in New England, the warm weather caused the trees to start flowering and setting their buds. However, a sudden drop in temperature to crazy cold weather ended up killing the fruit before it could fully develop.
Suput mentioned that most local farmer’s markets had a limited selection of fruits available.
During the summer months, fruits such as peaches, strawberries, mangoes, and plums are usually at their juiciest and sweetest. However, experts warn that the unpredictable weather patterns could impact the usual peak ripeness of these fruits.
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Research indicates that extreme weather events, such as intense heat, droughts, and unexpected freezes, can negatively impact fruit trees. This stress can alter the sugar content, acidity, and taste of the fruit. As a result, some fruits may lose their freshness, becoming less sweet or tangy. Additionally, the color of certain fruits may also be affected by these environmental stressors.
As farmers face more unpredictable weather due to climate change, many are seeking solutions. This could involve trying out new fruit varieties to make up for the reduced yield or implementing innovative methods to safeguard their crops.
For instance, at Jaemor Farms, it's not just peaches that are at risk. Amidst 150 acres of pink peach blossoms, a white tarp covers another vital crop: strawberries. The farm's 18-acre strawberry field is carefully shielded under heavy blankets to shield them from the cold.
"Our entire food system is facing challenges," Suput expressed. "We need to explore new approaches and be open to learning from others instead of clinging to traditional methods that have been effective for a long time. However, the exact path forward may still be unclear to many."
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the devastating impact of climate change on fruit production, particularly in the context of unpredictable weather patterns and extreme temperature fluctuations. As farmers struggle to adapt to the changing climate, the availability and quality of our favorite fruits are at risk.
It is crucial that we recognize the urgency of this issue and work collectively to find sustainable solutions. By investing in research and innovation, we can develop new crop varieties that are more resilient to climate change and explore innovative farming practices that minimize the impact of extreme weather events. Additionally, raising awareness about the challenges faced by farmers and the importance of supporting local agriculture can help create a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future. and investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices. It is crucial that we support farmers and invest in sustainable solutions to ensure the continued production and accessibility of fresh fruits for future generations.
