While the shortage of labor continues to pose an increasingly significant challenge, the ongoing drought, which is affecting nearly the entire country, is truly putting Huelva's berry sector on the ropes. In fact, it might be necessary to take drastic measures this very season, coinciding with the period of highest production.
Water shortages are proving significantly challenging for the soft fruit sector in the Spanish province of Huelva. "If it doesn't rain substantially soon, things will get really tense," says Jan van Bergeijk, who has been active in Spanish cultivation for over 30 years and is commercially responsible for raspberries within the Plusberries group.
Bucking the trend of being a “grudge purchase” for farmers, crop insurance offers not just financial protection but also stability in the unpredictable realm of farming. Land Bank Insurance Company (LBIC) managing director Pascal Siphugu highlights the vital role of this often-overlooked safeguard, turning the tables on the perception that farmers buy with reluctance.
About 20 paddy farmers from the Chinese community in Kampung Dulang Tengah here have claimed to have suffered losses of nearly RM200,000, after their crops were attacked by a mysterious disease.
As the world digests the confused legacy of the COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates, the realities of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis remain muted among the noise of the major polluters and the fossil fuel industry looking to sustain its dominance in global commerce.
There is no such thing as a“normal” weather year in California anymore. Olive producers have to be ready for anything at any time. As Golden State farmers wrap up their 2023 harvest and begin anew year, the water outlook is as uncertain as ever.
In the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), loss and damage has emerged as a third key pillar of climate policy, together with mitigation and adaptation, to address increasing climate change impacts in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
Over the past decade, Bhutan's horticulture sector has faced escalating challenges, marked by a notable decline in fruit yields due to diseases and pests. Key cash crops, notably oranges and apples, have seen production drops exceeding 50% between 2012 and 2022.
Since catastrophic flooding hit Vermont in July and waterlogged crops, some farmers are trying to figure out how to get through the next season.Water washed away seeds planted in the summer at Bear Roots Farm, which grows about 20 acres of mostly root vegetables at a high altitude.
In recent years, plant bug infestations have posed a growing challenge for growers, as highlighted by Mel Machado, Vice President of Member Relations for Blue Diamond, during The Almond Conference held in December. Machado outlined the escalating problem, noting a significant increase in damage caused by these pests.
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, long-held traditions will need to be resurrected. Others will need to be abandoned.Indonesia is highly dependent on rice. Indonesians consume 35.6 million tonnes of the staple, an average of 124kg of rice per person per year.
Crops, mainly maize and wheat, cultivated on almost 600 acres of agricultural land in Manikchak block are under the threat of attacks from wild boars and rats. The farmers of 3 Gram Panchayats are on the verge of facing a huge loss due to the animals.
Cambodia's banana industry is grappling with the persistent threat of Fusarium fungus, despite efforts to mitigate its spread. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries reveals a 21% decline in banana exports in 2023, amounting to around 290,000 tons.
Severe weather, including hail and heavy rainfall, wreaked havoc in the Kokkinochoria region of Cyprus on Monday night, leaving farmers grappling with the aftermath. The agricultural sector, particularly the potato industry, bore the brunt of the destruction, with Xylofagou and Frenaros being the hardest hit.
The European Commission's President, Ursula von der Leyen, has initiated the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. This should help in developing a collective vision for the EU's agricultural and food system.
The Algarve Commission for Hydrographic Sustainability has issued a warning about potential water cuts in Portugal's Algarve region, which could severely impact agricultural production. These restrictions, aimed at conserving water amidst a regional drought, could result in a loss of 95,000 tons of fruit and a €130 million blow to business by 2025.