Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic Farms (HGO) notes that persistent high temperatures affected California organic fruit crop development stages. Spring heat reduced fruit set and summer heat slowed growth. Additionally, late summer heat hindered color development on fruits like pomegranates, which need cool nights for ideal peel color. Without chemical aids used in conventional farming, organic crops are particularly vulnerable.

Cities like Stockton, Modesto, and Fresno set new heat records, compounding these effects. Stockton had 41 days with a high of at least 100°F. This broke the previous record of 40 days in 2022. Modesto reported 42 days of three-digit temperatures. This broke the previous record of 36 days in 2017. Merced, Madera and Fresno, experienced the hottest month ever recorded in July.

HGO’s Asian pear, kiwi berry, and pomegranate yields are below average, with smaller sizes dominating. Organic pomegranates lack larger fruit. This is pushing retailers to order smaller sizes. Persimmons remain in good supply, with HGO expecting availability through Christmas.

HGO emphasizes proactive communication with retailers and flexibility in sizing to navigate shortages.

Read more on how the high temperatures affected California’s organic fruit crop development here.