US farmers are suffering from extreme weather

In July of this year, two months’ of rain fell in two days on David Marchant’s fields. Despite his efforts, River Berry Farm quickly lost upward of 10 acres of crops, with lettuce and summer squash swimming in the flooded Vermont fields. The downpour cost him around $150,000 in just 48 hours. The storm…

“Climate change forces us to constantly evolve and find sourcing alternatives”

Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather events that are having a big impact on the fresh produce industry. This year in particular, many growing regions are faced with a delayed start of harvest as well as lower production volumes. Just to mention a few examples, mango production in South…

How AI could power the climate breakthrough the world needs

Tomato growers in central India have been increasingly worried about the volatility that extreme weather events have brought to the region. For much of the area, the last decade has been punctuated by severe droughts that led to significant crop loss, impacting the livelihoods of local farmers. On the…

Climate change poses a direct threat to the Peruvian blueberry industry

Climate change poses a direct threat to the Peruvian blueberry industry and other countries' fruit markets globally. The industry has experienced adverse meteorological effects, leading to crop destruction, slowed production processes, and reduced yields. Intense rains, hail, and high radiation rates…

Floods in northern France

“It rained again this week in the region,” while water had begun to recede at the end of last week. On Tuesday, the Pas-de-Calais department was again placed under orange alert for rain and floods. According to Vigicrues, this new rainfall is likely to cause rivers to rise again. © Capture France Info “Complete standstill for almost…

Tunisia's 'map of thirst' keeps on expanding

Rising temperatures, longer summers and the absence of rain are increasing pressure on already depleted groundwater sources in Tunisia. These factors are widening what experts call ‘the map of thirst’ for the North African nation. The country is experiencing its sixth consecutive year of drought, with…

Google's GraphCast can predict weather with 'unprecedented accuracy'

Google DeepMind has introduced GraphCast. This AI model takes only a minute to generate precise 10-day weather forecasts. It is faster and more accurate than the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) traditional HRES system, says Google. GraphCast is trained on decades of historical weather data and uses the ECMWF's ERA5 dataset. It can more accura…

Turkish expert suggests planting hazelnuts at higher altitudes

As sudden changes in temperatures caused by global climate change in the Black Sea Region have adversely impacted hazelnut yields, climate scientist Professor Dr. Mehmet Levent Kurnaz made some statements on the importance of relocating the hazelnut plantations. In recent years, hazelnuts have been…

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Biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato helps African farmers respond to climate change

Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns make it much harder for smallholder farmers, who cultivate 80% of the farms and produce 90% of the food in sub-Saharan Africa, to plan and grow a successful harvest. In Kenya, weather patterns have changed and rain no longer falls as it once did. Since…

Coles and Woolworths respond to Christmas ‘vegetable price surge’ after $50m storm

Coles and Woolworths, two of Australia's largest supermarket chains, have addressed concerns about potential vegetable price increases during the Christmas season following a destructive storm in Queensland. The storm, described as "tornado-like," severely damaged crops in the Lockyer Valley, affecting…

"The persistent rain is slowly creating a disaster"

The heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding continue to occupy minds in Flanders. In potatoes, many plots have already been lost and others delayed due to impassable fields. For Dutch carrot and leek growers, the wet weather conditions are also causing major consequences. "It's a disaster," says grower…

Floods damage crops in northern France

"The equivalent of 6 months of rain fell in just 30 days," according to producers of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The northern region of France has been coping with record-high water levels and historic flooding for several days. During a visit to the area (on red alert), Emmanuel Macron announced that 244…

Widespread water protest planned

Basin communities, farmers and businesses will join forces for the nation’s largest ever protest next week against the Albanese Government’s controversial water bill. The coordinated action led by Deniliquin, Griffith and Leeton councils, along with key farming groups such as NSW Farmers and businesses, will see towns across…

Potato growers in dire straits due to heavy rainfall in Belgium

Heavy rainfall has been recorded in Belgium since last week. West Flanders in particular has been severely hit by the weather. Some people have already been evacuated due to the floods. The rain is also taking a toll on vegetable cultivation. "Fortunately, we have already harvested all the potatoes, but…

Climate change is affecting Egyptian fruit production, moving production windows

This summer in Egypt, extreme heat prompted the managers of a 40-hectare orchard in the Nile Delta to take extraordinary measures, such as wrapping each mango with paper and applying kaolin clay to oranges as a protective shield against the scorching temperatures. This summer has been declared the…

"Climate change and El Niño, in particular, are testing Chile's and the world's agricultural sector"

Iván Marambio, the president of Frutas de Chile (former Asoex), said that the fruit sector is evaluating the situation in the fields after the spring rains that are affecting…

Devastating losses after a hailstorm caused an estimated $30 million in crop damage

Farmers in south-east Queensland's Lockyer Valley are facing devastating losses after a hailstorm caused an estimated $30 million in crop damage and an additional $20 million in infrastructure damage. The storm, with hail and wind described as "intense" and covering about five kilometers, wreaked havoc…

Good start to Yarra Valley Cherries' season

Yarra Valley Cherries, located in Seville in the Upper Yarra Valley started picking last week, with the early varieties coming off the tree indicating that pollination was good and that the rain came at the right time. They are currently picking the Merchant variety, and it is a big crop this year.…

"Greater chance and more frequent frost in Europe drives demand for our machines"

This is the fifth year Swift International is selling and distributing its FrostFans mobile wind machines. "Sales have shown an upward trend over the past four years. We've already sold many machines for delivery in early 2024. They'll be used on renowned farms," Ernst Slabbekoorn says enthusiastically.…

Major damage to Brittany farms after Storm Ciaran

Thomas le Bot of EARL Le Bot gives an update on the damage to farms in Plougastel after storm Ciaran hit Brittany on the night of November 2nd to 3rd. Last Wednesday, Plougastel producers met with their municipality to begin the process of taking stock of the damage and compiling compensation claims.…

Mexico’s vegetable growers faced with weather and labor challenges

Mexico plays a key role in the US vegetable supply this time of year. Baja California is wrapping up, and right now, most product is coming out of Sonora, with Sinaloa being just a few weeks away. What are the expectations for the Mexican season? “Let’s start with discussing a few significant weather…

“The blizzards will cause the batches of first class kakis to be reduced by between 30 and 40%”

The strong winds that hit the Iberian Peninsula at the end of last week, especially in the eastern area, have caused damage to crops such as kakis, whose harvesting period is currently underway. Fruit fall and damages caused by the wind will lead to a reduction in the volumes of first class fruit in a…

Climate change threatens to raise water prices in Spain

The OECD warns that Spain has one of the lowest water prices in Europe, a situation that does not match its water scarcity. Farmers respond that it is "impossible" to absorb a price increase. The UN rapporteur indicates that the first thing is to ensure adequate water governance in the country. Spain is one…

Greenhouses and tunnels destroyed by storm Ciaran in western France

Storms Ciaran (November 2-3) and Domingos (November 5-6) have caused significant damage to farms in the French region of Brittany. Gusts of over 160 km/h were recorded on the coast. Tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage..."Greenhouse growers, fruit and vegetable producers, nurserymen, and horticulturists have been…

Strong windstorm causes significant damage to citrus, kaki and avocado crops in the Region of Valencia

The windstorm of recent days, which is forecast to continue for a few days more, is already causing significant damage to many crops in the Region of Valencia due to the strong gusts it has brought, according to La Unió Llauradora. The most damaged crops are those that are currently in the middle of the harvesting…

State Agricultural Resources Commissioner Randle tours storm-damaged farms in Western Massachusetts

Following devastating storms that washed out roads and flooded fields and farms, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle visited Western Massachusetts two days this week to meet with farmers impacted by the storm. Commissioner Randle joined state and local…

How could climate and economic changes affect the organization of European markets?

Although imported fruit and vegetables currently occupy an important place on the French market, the recent economic and climate changes could transform the market in the years to come. Alexandre Picault, sales director of Kultive (producer of greenhouse vegetables and leading producer of cucumbers in…

Malta experienced driest October in more than a century

Malta experienced the driest October in more than a century. The record dry weather means farmers face higher irrigation costs and less income as a higher supply of crops on…

"We have been hit by two storms in the last couple of weeks, both of which caused significant damage"

Storm Babet, which made landfall in the UK on 19th October, brought torrential rainfall, causing extensive flooding, particularly in parts of Scotland where it was the second storm to hit the country in as many weeks.Potato farmers to the northeast of Edinburgh, specifically Angus, were among the hardest…

Freak snow damages Free State apple orchards

Unexpected snow in a localised area near Harrismith in the Free State has damaged nets and poles, even flattening orchards under the weight of the snow, with trees snapping at the ground in some blocks. Ironically, this time of the year apple growers are expecting hail, not snow. Maximum 3°C and rainy, tomorrow…

Later frosts could make new crops possible in Alaska

In Alaska, each year, the first frost is arriving later and later, a development that could be a positive for Alaska farmers. University of Alaska Fairbanks professor Glenna…

Storms Aline and Bernard caused serious damage to the nursery sector in the provinces of Cádiz, Seville, and Huelva

The two storms that crossed Andalusia last week - Aline on Thursday, 19 and Bernard on Sunday, 22 October - have caused considerable damage to Andalusia's nursery sector,…

Approximately 2,000 hectares of berries hit by storm Bernard

Storm Bernard, which hit the Spanish province of Huelva last Sunday, has caused significant damage to the berry sector, with raspberries being the most affected product. The Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberries and Berries from Huelva (Freshuelva) estimates that about 2,000 hectares of…

Produce industry watchful of rains post Hurricane Otis

Early reports indicate that the impact of Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that landed near Acapulco early Wednesday morning, is minimal on produce. “Yesterday, I would have told you we were expecting to lose 1 to 1 ½ days of harvest due to the hurricane's path looking like it was going straight…

Greek kiwi exporter commits to sustainability by installing solar panels at packhouses

Mitrosilis has announced the successful installation of solar panels at its two packing houses. This milestone underscores their commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. In response to the growing urgency of climate change and the need for corporate environmental…

Videos show impact of storm Bernard on red fruits and berries in Morocco

Violent, sand-laden winds reaching speeds of up to 106 km hit Morocco's Atlantic coast, affecting crops, especially arboriculture and soft fruit. In Larache, the hardest-hit location, the winds swept away greenhouses and fruit. Zouhir Daissoria, from red fruit producer Rika, reviews the damage to red…

NZ primary sectors preparing for El Niño summer dry

The Bay of Plenty Primary Sector (Adverse Event) Coordination Group met on 20 October 2023 to discuss the El Niño implications this season. In September, NIWA declared El Niño…

Some US fruit growers are planning for a warmer climate

Many US fruit growers are watching climate change shift the seasonal patterns they've counted on for years to produce fruit. As the atmosphere warms and weather becomes more…

Storm surge and record floods in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The storm surge on the Baltic Sea hit Schleswig-Holstein especially hard on Friday and Saturday, and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the tide had also flooded shore areas and…

The impact of California’s new climate accountability laws on food and agriculture companies

Two new ground-breaking California laws will require companies doing business in California, including food and agriculture companies, to report their annual greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related financial risk exposures, and climate risk management plans. Notably, the reach of the California laws…

Storm Bernard causes important damage to crops in Morocco

A violent storm hit Morocco over the weekend, accompanied by strong sand-laden winds reaching 106 km/h in some areas. The storms are attributed to "Storm Bernard", which is hitting the Atlantic coast. In the agricultural sector, the damage is impressive. The winds blew away crops and damaged trees and…

Peru’s agricultural exporters are bracing for El Niño

As a second year of bad weather upends a prolonged period of growth, Peru’s agricultural exporters are bracing for tough times. According to Gabriel Amaro, head of…

Marrakesh clementines are late, may not arrive

Despite optimistic expectations just a few months ago, citrus growers in the Marrakech region are now caught up in reality. "The season should have started, but there's…

New packaging plant in Morocco

The Alcoaxarquia Group has just acquired a new processing plant in Morocco through the subsidiary Alcoaxarquía Maroc. With this operation the company reinforces its presence in North Africa and in avocado production. The warehouse is located in Tangier, near Tanger Med, a deep-draft commercial port, located in a strategic…

East African bloc concerned about El Niño rains in Horn of Africa

Experts from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an East African bloc, have stated that El Niño rains are set to begin in the Horn of Africa region right about…

Extreme weather in Morocco: are Canarian greenhouses out of date?

Observers agree that climate change has become the biggest challenge facing Moroccan agriculture, an assertion confirmed by professionals who are already suffering from climatic disruptions on the ground. Constant drought, acute water stress, and extreme temperatures have become a given in many parts of…

"Half of the fruit trees in the area of Guiamets, Margalef, and Riudecanyes have died because of the drought"

The Unió de Pagesos has stated that the drought has "significantly" affected agricultural plantations dependent on the swamps of Guiamets, in the Ribera d'Ebre and Priorat,…

Intensive irrigation in October, something unprecedented

The rain diminished by 65% in September and, during the first decade of October, temperatures exceeded 30°C, i.e. 10-12°C higher than the average temperatures. Cooperatives from Romagna are worried, also considering the upcoming sowing of winter vegetables. "The lack of humidity in the soil impedes a correct…

Horticultural diseases on the move in NZ, due to changing climate

Changing temperatures and weather conditions that are affecting New Zealand, along with extreme weather events, mean horticultural diseases are also on the move. This is…

Mekong Delta flooded by heavy rains

Many roads and alleys in Can Tho City continue to be heavily flooded for the fifth consecutive day as prolonged heavy rain and high tides pummeled Ca Mau Province.…

Science will help protect staple Scottish crops like potatoes and raspberries from climate change

Scottish staples like potatoes, some barley and soft fruit like raspberries all need cool weather to grow. However, the top ten warmest years since records began in 1884 have…

Hottest September ever experienced in NZ

Last month was the warmest NZ September on record, and vegetable producers say access to water will be a key consideration over the months ahead. Of the six main centres in…

"We are seeing a significant, direct impact on Peru's blueberry production"

Peru is the world’s largest exporter of fresh blueberries, and in 2022/23 the country exported a record 286 million tonne of fresh blueberries, according to industry data for the year ending 30 April 2023. Initial crop estimates for the 2023 season predicted that volumes would be up by 14% to 326 million…

Drought conditions continue to prevail across local islands

Drought conditions continue to prevail across the local islands, in particular on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Record heat in most areas has intensified drought impacts. However,…

NZ vegetable growers welcome El Niño

New Zealand vegetable growers are hoping there will be a period of drier weather to ensure they can keep up with planting programs. According to the National Institute of…

"Indian sweet corn is very well received on the fresh market"

The outlook for the coming pomegranate season in India is particularly good. Exports of the established Bhagwa pomegranates are generally from November to March. "Indian pomegranates are slightly higher priced when sold, but those who value quality and taste are usually willing to pay this higher price.…

Limited flood impact on Western Cape stonefruit

The recent heavy rain over the Western Cape varied enormously: around Wellington and Stellenbosch, farms received normal rainfall without any real damage, whereas pockets of incredibly high intensity rain caused localized flooding and damage in other areas like Franschhoek and Montagu. “I personally…

Next week's table grape crop estimate to shed light on Cape's flood impact

After last weekend's prodigious rainfall across the Western Cape, the South African Table Grape Industry expects some flood damage to vineyards - some of the earliest varieties are already budding - and its first table grape crop estimate for the 2023/2024 season will reflect the new reality. Right:…

Berg River authority calls for state of emergency

A very deep cut-off low pressure system, connecting the lower with the upper atmosphere, brought two months’ worth of winter rainfall to the Western Cape in three days.“The impact has been terrible. The Berg River has created new canals for itself, breaking its banks and swept away many hectares of…

"Organic production is key to meeting the challenge of climate change"

Luis Planas participated, through a video, in the inauguration of the European Congress of Organic Production that is being held in Cordoba, within the framework of the…

Mango production increases in Italy as climate warms

Italian mango cultivation is becoming more widespread as hotter temperatures and the prospect of higher profit margins is prompting growing numbers of farmers to quit more…

"About 20 hectares of tomatoes damaged by hail, 75 more to harvest."

Last Saturday (September 23), some areas of Puglia were hit by violent and unforeseen extreme weather conditions, which mainly affected vegetable crops, vineyards and olive groves. We spoke with Marco Nicastro, president of Soc. Coop. Agricola Mediterraneo S.p.A., a company in the province of Foggia…

Drought preparations start early in Australia, countering effects of El Niño

Farmers around Australia are bracing for another El Niño. At a national drought forum in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia's agricultural leaders are working on plans to help…

Western Cape flooded for second time in three months

Major roads leading into the Cape Town metropolitan area have been closed due to the heavy flooding, as rain continues with winds of 46km/h on Heritage Day, a public holiday in South Africa. Waves battering the Kalk Bay lighthouses yesterday (photo: Annemarie Ross) A humanitarian aid group says it has…

70% of farmers have already seen large impacts of climate change on their farm

More than 70% of farmers have already seen large impacts of climate change on their farm, new global research across eight countries reveals. Climate impacts estimated to have reduced farmer incomes by 15.7% on average over the past two years. Most pressing short-term challenges dominated by economic uncertainty…

Azura Group and Foundation donating €1.5m to Moroccan earthquake relief fund

Following the earthquake that hit Morocco on Friday, September 8, 2023, the Azura Group and Foundation contributed to supporting the impacted and suffering populations through…

Arequipa's garlic production could be at risk because of the drought and El Niño

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Global El Niño phenomenon together with the effects of climate change, which are already noticeable in Arequipa where 70% of…

“We predict a significant increase in the pitahaya production in Spain”

Pitahaya cultivation is expanding in various areas of Spain and its supply is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The Valencian company Alta Native, specialized in the production and marketing of Asian fruits and vegetables, decided to bet on it four years ago, perceiving it as a good…

Nova Scotia tree fruit growers reassured following Tropical Storm Lee

Nova Scotia apple growers are breathing a sigh of relief following the weekend’s Tropical Storm Lee which, going into the weekend, was expected to be Hurricane Lee. “Things are better than we expected them to be,” said Emily Lutz, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association “I’m…

Hailstorm affected 22,000 hectares in Valencian causing more than 43 million euro in losses

La Unió Llauradora stated that Sunday's hailstorms, rain, and winds had affected more than 22,000 hectares of crops and that, according to an initial emergency assessment,…

Nova Scotia apple growers pick ahead for storm Lee

On Friday, growers in Eastern Canada were on watch and preparing for the onset of what was then called Hurricane Lee. While rain is something to watch, what apple growers and shippers such as Van Meekeren Farms in Kentville, Nova Scotia really are looking out for are wind gusts and at press time, they…

Late snow in the Boland as country prepares for El Niño

More rain today for the Western Cape which has appreciated the few days of sunshine in between cold, rainy spells when bees can finally venture into orchards (where they are furiously working and even ill-tempered with hunger), but producers say they're looking ahead at the possible effects of a below…

A storm caused serious damage to crops and infrastructure in several regions of Castellón and Valencia

According to a first emergency estimate carried out by the Association of Farmers of Valencia (AVA-ASAJA), yesterday's storm caused significant damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure in several regions of Castellón and Valencia, especially in the Plana Baixa, Vall d'Albaida, and Los Serranos.…

'Possible impact on tomatoes and bush beans'

Many small communities in Morocco's Atlas Mountains are completely destroyed. Survivors are burying their loved ones or clearing rubble to recover more bodies. At least 70…

Storm Daniel in Libya, certain but still unknown damage

Storm Daniel reached Libya at the beginning of the week, killing more than 6,000 people and leaving tens of thousands missing. The worst-hit city is Derna, where the storm has caused dam failures. The city is located in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar, one of the country's main agricultural regions. Idriss Al Mahdy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Libyan Agriculture and Env…

Start-up ClimateAi aims should help growers prepare for a more disruptive climate

Himanshu Gupta grew up in India, where he saw how the unpredictably late monsoon season was often damaging crops and affecting farmers’ lives. The frustration he witnessed…

Fantastic flowering in South Africa’s plum orchards

Farmers in the Western Cape regard a possibility of frost damage accompanying the snow and icy rain of the past weekend (with more rain expected this coming weekend). The cold was such that even in the Northern Cape, cold winds damaged table grape vineyards.In the early plum orchards of the Boland, fruit…

14.6% of Spain is in a state of emergency and 27.4% of it is on alert due to a lack of water

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) presented to the Council of…

Ecuadorian mango volume significantly impacted by El Niño

The upcoming 2023 mango season is not looking promising at all for Ecuadorian growers as they might be facing a 65 - 75 percent overall volume reduction due to the “El Niño” climatic phenomenon. Ecuadorian mango season usually starts with yellow varieties around mid to late September followed by Tommy…

"Winds of over 100km/hr, and our greenhouse didn't suffer any damage"

“Cyclone Gabrielle is the most significant weather event New Zealand has seen in this century. The severity and the damage that we are seeing has not been experienced in a generation,” said the NZ prime minister, Chris Hipkins earlier this year, mentioning the highest wind speed measured during the storm…

Fall vegetables destructed by Hurricane Idalia

More than a week after Hurricane Idalia hit the Southeastern U.S., growers and shippers continue to assess the impact of the weather event. Georgia: “A lot of our folks missed…

Rains and floods damage Greek infrastructure

Extreme weather is causing havoc in Greece and Turkey as well as Bulgaria. Rains have caused flooding, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. For Greece, Volos and Zagori were hit extremely hard. A couple of fruit exporters have expressed their worries, but the total effect of the disaster is…

Citrus growers want Portuguese government to lead debate on drought

The largest Portuguese association of citrus fruit operators, AlgarOrange, wants the government to lead a national debate on the strategy for dealing with the country’s water…

“I believe about half of California’s table grape harvest is lost”

Last week, the California Table Grape Commission reported that an estimated 25 million boxes of California table grapes are lost due to Hurricane Hilary. The hurricane hit the state on Sunday, August 20th, in the midst of harvest season. “I believe this is a conservative estimate,” says Nick Dulcich with…

Could Hurricane Idalia impact the Southeast veg market?

Though reports are early and growers will likely know more this week, there are some accounts of loss and damage following Hurricane Idalia in the Southeast. Neil Mazal of East Coast Farms & Vegetables says in Valdosta, Georgia, and slightly west of Valdosta, there are indications of some damage. “There…

A new platform to fight drought

The Region of Murcia, through the Murcian Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development (Imida), an agency under the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries,…