Why Climate Adaptation for Potato and Coffee is Needed

Some research studies mention some advantages of climate change, like more extended planting and growing season. Some colder regions will have an early onset of spring and a longer warm season (Herring, 2020).

A longer growing season may benefit farmers, but some crops will likely be affected, like potatoes and coffee. Climate adaptation is needed for these two essential crops to maintain their quality and yield.

Warming temperatures and an extended growing season can lead to quality problems and diseases in potatoes grown in Maine and other states. Heavier rainfall events or lingering conditions can also affect the quality of potatoes (Researchers try producing, 2021).

The University of Maine researchers are trying to produce potatoes to better cope with warming temperatures and climate change. Warming temperatures can also spread crop diseases and pests like aphids. Pest management specialists consider breeding small variants like a potato with hairier leaves to deter pests from the plant Warming temperatures and an extended growing season can lead to quality problems and diseases in potatoes grown in Maine and other states. Heavier rainfall events or lingering conditions can also affect the quality of potatoes (Researchers try producing, 2021).

Breeding such characteristics into potatoes is long and takes years to produce a new potato variety article. Nonetheless, the breeding process is underway, and breeders are doing a research testing phase in various sites in the United States.

Coffee is another crop that is at risk of climate change. A study published in Frontiers magazine finds that climate change can alter the taste and aroma of coffee and its overall quality. The authors reveal that the coffee quality is affected by environmental changes brought by climate change and that many coffee-producing regions that are already experiencing changing climate conditions will be producing coffee with a different smell and taste.

The study reviewed 73 articles to investigate the environmental factors linked with climate change and climate adaptation practices on coffee’s quality. Regions that grow well-known coffee varieties like Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora are highly dependent on these crops for their economy and livelihoods. According to the study, “While variation was found between studies, the findings highlight that coffee quality is vulnerable to changes in light exposure, altitude, water stress, temperature, carbon dioxide, and nutrient management.”

The study finds two trends in the review of the literature. First, coffee grown in higher altitudes has a better taste and aroma, and second increased light exposure can decrease coffee taste and smell.

Preventing decline in coffee quality and sensory attributes will require climate adaptation.

The researchers identified some promising climate adaption solutions such as shade management through agroforestry, selection of climate-resilient coffee species, integrated pest management, and soil nutrient management to offset the impacts of climate change.

Climate adaptation initiatives can help farmers and the coffee sector build resilience against climate change and protect the quality and profitability of this precious crop.  

Click the link to read the entire study: