Climate Change Alters Peach Harvest Timing in Fukushima

The traditional peach harvest season in Fukushima Prefecture is shifting due to climate change, with the main peach variety, Akatsuki, maturing earlier each year. This year, peak harvest for Akatsuki occurred about 10 days earlier than usual. While a high yield is expected, surpassing last year’s record, there are concerns for the future. The changing climate may mean peaches may not be available during the popular Bon holidays in mid-August.

JA Fukushima Mirai, a local agricultural cooperative, ties the early harvest to favorable spring weather and summer’s intense heat. Given Akatsuki’s short harvest window of two weeks in late July and its significant cultural importance – the variety is often gifted to the imperial family – there’s a pressing need for heat-tolerant peach varieties. The peach’s early harvest trend reflects rising temperatures over the years, causing shipments to often end by early August.

Farmers report excellent fruit quality this year but face challenges with about 30% of peaches ripening too internally due to the heat. There’s a pressing call for a peach variety that can withstand global warming, maintain quality, and preserve Fukushima’s reputation as a leading peach producer. Efforts are underway to develop new peach varieties that meet these demands, with the Fukushima Prefectural Government and local farm cooperatives leading the charge.