Climate change threatens orange production in Brazil, warns professor at Aarhus University

Pests are causing oranges to turn green, diseases are impacting cocoa trees, and drought is damaging olive trees. Jørgen E. Olesen, a professor at Aarhus University, warns that the world is beginning to face critical thresholds related to droughts, heatwaves, and floods, threatening supply chains. Climate change is a significant factor behind crop failures, leading to rising prices for products such as orange juice and olive oil, and driving alternative goods onto store shelves.

A troubling example lies in Brazil, where orange plantations are suffering from pest infestations that render the fruit unmarketable. Olesen explains that increased temperatures escalate evaporation, leading to drought and making plants more susceptible to diseases. As a result, companies like Rynkeby, Denmark’s largest juice producer, are feeling the impacts of these climate-induced challenges.

The harvest in Brazil has reached its lowest point in 36 years, prompting Rynkeby to raise prices for orange juice and nectars. They are now exploring greater production of juices from fresh oranges sourced from the EU and Africa, although these regions will also be affected by climate change.

As consumer habits shift, Olesen advises looking for alternatives like apple juice to replace orange juice, which currently accounts for 50% of Rynkeby’s raw material purchases. The director of Rynkeby acknowledges the need to reduce dependence on oranges and consider more locally produced ingredients such as carrots and berries. However, changing consumer preferences remains a challenge, as Danish consumers still favor orange juice.

Olesen also highlights the potential impact of food supply crises on poorer countries, as current disruptions affect commodities like olives, cocoa, coffee, and oranges. Looking ahead, he warns that tomatoes and grains may also be at risk due to climate change.