Study Predicts Two Popular American Foods Surprisingly Resilient to Climate Change

A new study led by researchers at the University of Florida predicts that the supply chains for two of Americans’ most popular plant-based foods, potatoes and tomatoes, are surprisingly resilient to climate change. To make their predictions, the researchers developed an innovative modeling approach to the assessment of climate adaptation and mitigation opportunities in fruit and vegetable supply chains.

The team has now applied their analysis method to carrots, green beans, spinach, strawberries, and sweet corn. The new research, published in Nature Food, is supported by a grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The inter-disciplinary research team includes other scientists from the International Food Policy Research Institute, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois, Washington State University and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services. For more information, read this University of Florida blog article.