EU regulation 2019/1009
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November 7, 2024EU regulation 2019/1009
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November 7, 2024The climatic phenomenon known as El Niño is becoming one of the greatest threats to global agriculture. This event, characterized by the anomalous warming of the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean, alters global weather patterns, affecting the climate and, consequently, agricultural systems in various regions of the world. Below, we explore the main effects of El Niño on agriculture and how this phenomenon is amplifying pre-existing climate challenges.
El Niño is a climatic phenomenon that occurs every two to seven years and usually lasts between nine and twelve months. It is linked to the Southern Oscillation and originates from temperature variations in the Central and Eastern Pacific. This warming generates drastic changes in weather conditions in several regions of the planet.
El Niño and La Niña are opposite climatic phenomena that are part of the cycle known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Both affect global weather patterns but in different ways due to their opposite effects on ocean and atmospheric temperatures.
Causes warmer and drier weather in many agricultural regions, increasing the likelihood of droughts.
Brings cooler and wetter weather, causing increased rainfall in various agricultural areas.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency of El Niño episodes, suggesting a link with climate change. This phenomenon poses greater challenges for global agricultural production. (1)
El Niño disproportionately affects key regions for global agricultural production, such as
Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. The decrease in rainfall or excess precipitation alters agricultural productivity, affecting both crops and agricultural infrastructure. (2)
As the world’s largest producer of sugarcane, soybeans, coffee, and oranges, it is particularly vulnerable to droughts.
A drop in rainfall could reduce the production of rice and wheat, essential products for food security.
Droughts will affect palm oil production, negatively impacting its agricultural economy.
One of the most visible effects of El Niño is the rise in food prices. The scarcity of crops due to droughts and floods leads to a decrease in the supply of agricultural products, raising costs in international markets.
In Southeast Asia, rice production, which represents 60% of cereal consumption, is extremely vulnerable to the lack of rainfall. This scenario will likely result in price increases, affecting both producers and consumers. (3)
El Niño also has a significant impact on the social and political stability of emerging economies. Countries highly dependent on the agricultural sector may face considerable economic losses, potentially leading to political instability.
The increase in temperatures and extreme weather conditions create a favorable environment for the proliferation of pests and diseases in crops. This will force farmers to use more agrochemicals, raising costs and generating a greater environmental impact.
More humid climatic conditions favor the appearance of fungal diseases, while droughts weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pests.
To face the effects of El Niño, farmers can a dopt more efficient water management practices, crop diversification, and the use of advanced technologies that improve crop resilience to adverse conditions, such as the proven use of biostimulants.
In Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and some parts of Costa Rica and Panama, where long periods of drought are experienced, these countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, worsening the living conditions of their inhabitants.
In these extensive areas, farmers have had to implement agroforestry systems and water conservation techniques to improve resilience to droughts.
The use of biostimulants in agriculture is emerging as a key solution to mitigate the effects of phenomena like El Niño. These products, which promote crop resilience to abiotic stress, are gaining ground as an essential tool to face adverse climatic conditions.
Biostimulants are new agricultural inputs designed to improve plant tolerance to stress, such as drought or excess water, optimizing nutrient use and strengthening plants. These products not only help maintain crop vitality during stress periods but also promote consistent yields, even under adverse climatic conditions.
Abiotic stress, such as that caused by the droughts and floods brought by El Niño, is responsible for more than 50% of agricultural losses worldwide. Biostimulants reduce these impacts by increasing plants’ ability to withstand these conditions, improving soil health, and promoting nutrient retention.
El Niño is a growing threat to global agriculture, exacerbating the effects of climate change and affecting global food security. While farmers face great challenges, the implementation of adaptation strategies, such as the use of biostimulants, offers a promising way to mitigate the effects of this phenomenon and protect food systems against adverse climatic conditions. The adoption of sustainable technologies will be key to ensuring crop resilience and food security in an uncertain future.
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Expansión internacional y consolidación de mercados para Ficosterra
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