Rising Temperatures Predicted to Reduce California Strawberry Yield

Rising temperatures could significantly impact the yield of California’s strawberry crop, according to researchers at the University of Waterloo. They found that a rise in temperature of three degrees Fahrenheit could reduce strawberry yields by as much as 40%. “This research shows how climate change can directly impact the foods we love, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices to maintain a stable food supply for everyone,” said Dr. Poornima Unnikrishnan. The study’s authors suggest several practices that growers might use to help maintain yields, including optimized irrigation during heatwaves, drip irrigation, crop scheduling, and shade structures.