Climate change impacts perennial crop yields in California

A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics highlights the vulnerability of perennial crops, such as almonds, walnuts, and grapes, to changing environmental conditions. Unlike annual crops, perennial trees remain in the ground for many years, representing a long-term investment that is difficult to adapt quickly to shifting climates.

Researchers from Virginia Tech and UC Davis found that the impact of warming temperatures depends heavily on the specific growth stage of the crop. For instance, warming during the dormancy phase lowers walnut yields, while warming during the bloom phase reduces almond yields. In the case of wine grapes, warming during dormancy appears to reduce yields only in the short term.