Fig lovers in Italy and beyond might find their favorite fruit harder to come by this year. 

What happened?

The summer "fioroni" fig campaign in the Apulia region was devastated by sudden frosts and heavy rains.

According to Fresh Plaza, farmers have seen a dramatic reduction in their harvests.

Francesco Palasciano, owner of Cuore Verde farm, noted "a significant fruit drop" before harvest. Losses reached a staggering 70% for spring production in some areas.

"It looked like it would be a promising year," Palasciano said. "However, a sudden frost damaged the green and black flowers, which fell to the ground shortly afterward."

Michelangelo De Chirico, a sales manager in Molfetta, shared a similar grim outlook. He estimated a production drop of nearly 50% due to a rise in global temperatures and early fruit dropping.

Gaetano Modugno, Evergreen's chief, added that heavy rains and hail compromised the quality of early fruit. Such conditions are making it difficult to export figs.

Why is this fig crisis concerning?

The lack of fresh figs is a critical issue for farmers whose livelihoods depend on these crops. Weather-based shortages are indicating how a warming planet and extreme weather are impacting food production.

The "real problem is climate change," Palasciano stated. "The fig tree can no longer adapt to its former habitat. Every year, it produces less. If this continues, many will be forced to switch to growing different crops."

The rising global temperature as a result of human production of planet-warming pollution is exacerbating extreme weather conditions and disrupting traditional growing cycles.

Source - https://www.thecooldown.com