max FACTS
Drought Forces Sriracha Maker to Suspend Production
For more than four decades , Huy Fong Foods has made its world-famous sriracha hot sauce in Irwindale , Calif . — until the worsening climate crisis finally caught up with the company . Severe heat and drought have hit the hot-pepper crops sriracha is made from , forcing the company to suspend production until at least the fall this year . It ’ s not just peppers in trouble . California , a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to Canada and the rest of the U . S ., is now in the third year of a severe drought . This year has been the driest on record for the state . “ For pepper and tomatoes , it ’ s really more about heat stress . Last week we had … about 40 , 41 degrees Celsius . And the pollen basically aborts at this stage , so you don ’ t get fruit or flowers set at these temperatures ,” says Allen Van Deynze , director of the Seed Biotechnology Center at University of California Davis .
— freshplaza . com
These Fruits Have Less Pesticides When Store-Bought
The Environmental Work Group ( EWG ) recently published its study on the 15 most pesticide-free fruits and vegetables . Avocados remain at the top of the list with less than two percent of samples tested showing any pesticide residue , followed closely by sweet corn . By eating those , you are minimising any harm from pesticides in your produce . Pineapple , onions , papaya , frozen sweet peas , asparagus , honeydew melon , kiwi fruit , and cabbage round out the top 10 . Organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides , among other things . Eating organically produced food reduces pesticide exposure and is linked to a variety of health benefits , according to multiple studies , especially findings from a large study in France . Other fruits that made the Clean 15 list are mushrooms , cantaloupe , mangoes , watermelon , and sweet potatoes . Generally speaking , if a fruit or vegetable has a skin ( the thicker the better ) like avocado , it will most likely contain less pesticides .
— ewg . org
Drought in Italy Threatens Crops
Italy is experiencing an unusual and prolonged heat wave and little rain this summer . Experts say it ’ s the worst drought in 70 years and the government has been forced to declare a state of emergency in five northern regions until the end of this year to deal with the situation . Emergency funds amounting to more than $ 37 million were also announced along with special powers for regional authorities to help guarantee public safety and to offer compensation for agricultural losses . “ It ’ s the perfect storm : less than 70 percent of snow in the winter , four months of lack of rain , temperatures three or four degrees higher than the seasonal average ,” says Meuccio Berselli , secretary general for the district authority of the Po Valley . The Po River , a main Italian water source , is so low that salt water from the Adriatic Sea is flowing back into the river , further damaging crops .
— rfi . fr
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