Winter Chill Brings Summer Fruit

An analysis of 215 U.S. locations reveals that 84% have experienced a long-term decrease in winter chill since 1980. This trend threatens the $27 billion U.S. non-citrus fruit and nut industry, as many temperate trees require sustained cold temperatures to ensure proper flowering, pollination, and fruit yield. The study highlights significant chill decreases in key producing regions, particularly in California, Washington, and the Southeast, affecting high-value crops such as grapes, almonds, and strawberries.

• A significant majority of the 215 U.S. locations analyzed by Climate Central have seen a long-term decline in winter chill since 1980, with 181 locations (84%) experiencing this decrease.
• Winter chill is essential for the U.S. non-citrus fruit and nut industry, which is valued at approximately $27 billion. Insufficient chilling can negatively impact the timing of pollination, bud break, and the overall quality or yield of the fruit.
• The five most valuable non-citrus fruit and nut crops in the U.S.—grapes, almonds, strawberries, apples, and pistachios—account for $20 billion, representing 74% of the total $26.8 billion non-citrus fruit and nut market.
• Decreasing winter chill is evident in several major production hubs for high-value crops: California's grape, almond, pistachio, and walnut regions (specifically Bakersfield, Fresno, and Stockton); California's strawberry hotspots (Salinas and Santa Maria); and the Tampa Area in Florida.
• Other notable regional chill trends include decreases in apple-growing areas of New York (Rochester and Buffalo) and Pennsylvania (Harrisburg), as well as decreases in blueberry-producing areas of Washington, Oregon, Georgia (Savannah), and New Jersey (Atlantic City).

APA

Parker, L. E. (2023). Winter Chill Brings Summer Fruit. Climate Central. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/winter-chill-brings-summer-fruit-2023

Chicago

Parker, Lauren E. Winter Chill Brings Summer Fruit. Climate Central, 2023. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/winter-chill-brings-summer-fruit-2023.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Parker |first1=Lauren E. |title=Winter Chill Brings Summer Fruit |publisher=Climate Central |date=15 February 2023 |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/winter-chill-brings-summer-fruit-2023 |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{parker2023winter, author = {Parker, Lauren E.}, title = {{Winter Chill Brings Summer Fruit}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2023}, month = feb, url = {https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/winter-chill-brings-summer-fruit-2023}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }