Global tomato production will decrease, and tomatoes may even disappear from the shelves

Record-high temperatures and a record-long drought are not good for tomatoes

The future of tomato does not look so bright. As reported by Modern Farmer, the big advantage of red and thick-skinned tomatoes, so-called processing tomatoes, is that they are easy to transport. It is used in various plants to produce ketchup, juice, sauce, puree and other packaged tomato products. Its main cultivation areas are California, Italy and China, moreover, these countries account for about 65 percent of the crop.

A new study published in Nature predicts a six percent decline in tomato production by 2050 in major growing regions such as Italy and California. According to the study, an increase in air temperature due to climate change in tomato-growing regions could cause a decrease in yields. Additionally, water restrictions and drought are factors that could lead to major growing regions such as Italy and California not being able to maintain their current processing numbers, for example. According to the research, regions with cooler climates in Northern California and China could increase their competitive advantage in the coming years.