farmer holding a bowl of freshly harvested vegetables and produce

From Farm to Table: The Economic Impact of Climate Change on the Food Chain

December 16, 2024 | Source: Earth.org | by Gauri Sharma

Climate change is not just an abstract concept; its effects manifest in tangible ways that directly impact agricultural productivity. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heat waves degrade soil health, disrupt planting schedules, and diminish crop yields.

For example, recent devastating floods in Valencia, western Spain compromised orange crops and persimmon orchards, with damage estimates surpassing €1.089 billion  (US$1.152 billion). This deadly storm has left many farmers unable to access their fields, worsening the situation and jeopardizing future harvests.

In Brazil, ongoing drought conditions affecting almost 60% of the country have caused coffee prices – particularly for arabica – to soar to a nearly 50-year high. The prolonged drought has not only decreased the quantity of coffee available but also compromised the quality of beans.

Unfortunately, these fluctuations are not isolated; they create a domino effect, driving up prices globally. As highlighted by Heather Stewart, the economics editor of the Guardian, the rising cost of staple foods is not merely an inconvenience for consumers; it increases the vulnerability of developing countries, where food security is already precarious.