Fruit and Vegetable Industry Session N°4

Impact of climate change on production and quality of fruits and vegetables.

Undoubtedly, climate change is a major concern to the agricultural sector, which must remain viable amid unfavourable temperature and rainfall trends. It is therefore important for the industry to adapt.

The effect of climate change on the quality of fruit and vegetables could undermine or reverse progress, unravelling many of the developmental gains of recent decades. It could threaten the livelihoods, health and wellbeing of millions of people worldwide, and of the poorest and most vulnerable groups. Implementation of innovative actions and measures in technological, agricultural management practices and in the socio-economic system could be a solution for the risk mitigation of hazardous climate events.

The key strategies for addressing this challenge will be the development of new horticultural crop varieties that are resistant to high temperatures, are resistant to pests and diseases, and produce high yields under stress conditions, as well as the use of high-tech horticulture and prudent natural resource management (i.e. water efficiency).

Increased availability of data on the effects of pests and diseases and the quantification of plant diversity loss and area sustainability are needed to measure the future of fruit productivity and fruit quality.

A holistic approach, which includes adaptation and mitigation, is essential to overcome climate change impacts on fruit and vegetable crops.