Climate change is not a future problem, and it's becoming irreversible

Discussing how climate change has affected the agri-food sector

Climate change has become a new reality, with adverse weather conditions occurring worldwide and many reports of damaged and stressed crops. Agri-food chains are very sensitive to weather and climate conditions; their efficiency relies heavily on land, water, and natural resources that can cause changes in agricultural productivity. In 2023, 71% of farms in 8 countries were affected by climate change. However, it continues further. The climate crisis disrupts the food supply chain, leading to limited production volumes and price fluctuations on several essential commodities and highlighting that action is needed to secure a liveable future.

The crisis starts in the field

As mentioned in our posts, severe weather has significantly affected crops in several producing regions. As extreme weather conditions become more frequent, the impact of farming becomes more and more severe; the number one product of the Mediterranean basin, olive oil, has been highly affected by the drought that has been occurring for the past two years. The olive grooves suffered from insufficient irrigation, which led to limited production yields. The scarcity of olive oil also affected consumers, with prices increasing significantly, making the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet a premium product in terms of pricing.

Climate change also affects the soil and water quality, making them underqualified for usage in food production. They either lose their nutritional value or can put food safety at risk. In addition, high temperatures create a favorable environment for pests and diseases to grow. While increasing CO2 levels can promote plant growth, they also diminish the nutritional value of most food crops. Higher atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations lower the amounts of protein and essential minerals in many plant species.

The public health at stake

The unsuitability of specific products for human consumption due to diseases infesting the soil and the limited production yields can create a significant public health crisis. In countries where their primary source of irrigation is rain, extreme rainfalls followed by floods can lead to the contamination of crops with foodborne diseases. The limited production could also indicate the chance of food fraud, as it is happening in the olive oil sector. During the winter of 2023-2024, according to the Εuropean Commission, many companies were accused of olive oil adulteration and mislabelling to take advantage of the market's high prices. 

A deeper look into the food supply chain

The disruption of supply chain logistics is also a significant concern, as climate change creates transportation, storage, and warehousing challenges. These issues are expected to worsen, impacting agricultural products' timely and efficient delivery. Regarding fresh products, their increased sensitivity in post-harvest processes makes them vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Additionally, it impacts input costs and market prices, with crop yield responses varying based on spatial distribution patterns. This variation in crop yields can influence input costs and market prices, potentially resulting in economic consequences.

Recently, Eastern Europe has reported damage to sunflower crops due to the heatwave. The high temperatures have affected the crops' water levels, leading to premature harvests and insufficient oil levels in the seeds due to the drought. The concerns about the upcoming crop have already influenced the market, with prices increasing rapidly.

How does adapting to climate change look like?

In 2020, agrifood systems contributed 31% of the total EU emissions. Of this, approximately 48% came from 'farm gate' activities, another 48% from 'pre- and post-production' activities, and 4% were attributed to land use change. As the agricultural industry is affected by and affects the climate crisis, it is important to adapt and take action to eliminate its environmental footprint. Farmers in the field adapt to new challenges to maintain strong production by growing crop varieties that require less water and are more resistant to heat and diseases. 

This underscores the importance of providing free access to information on sustainable cultivation methods and best practices to protect public health and their livelihoods. Additionally, all must enhance their knowledge through courses on sustainable agriculture and food safety, enabling them to compete in the market effectively. 

At Wikifarmer, we are dedicated to providing farmers with a strong support system of knowledge and expertise to meet today's needs and boost their commercial activity. Our suppliers and products meet essential health and quality standards. We are committed to building a sustainable value chain in the agri-food industry. Companies in the agri-food sector are already adapting by developing systems to reduce emissions in food production, transportation, and warehousing, thus promoting a more sustainable food supply chain.