Climate Change Threatens Peach Crops in Georgia and South Carolina
Climate change is significantly impacting peach production in Georgia and South Carolina, two of the United States' most prominent peach-growing regions. Warmer winters and reduced chill hours are causing earlier blooming, increasing the risk of spring freeze damage. Over the past 40 years, bloom times in South Carolina have advanced by one to two weeks, according to Gregory Reighard, a horticulture expert at Clemson University. Additionally, extreme heat is stressing peach trees, leading to smaller fruit, premature fruit drop, and heightened vulnerability to pests. Growers are adapting by planting lower-chill varieties and investing in frost protection measures, but these changes come with challenges and costs. The peach industry in South Carolina generates over $100 million annually, while Georgia's industry contributes more than $20 million, making these climate impacts economically significant. 
