Browsing: Zucchini

Fresh vegetable costs are climbing as extreme heat affects South Korea’s food sector. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs indicated that sustained high temperatures have severely diminished supplies of heat-sensitive crops. Vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini are especially vulnerable to prolonged periods of elevated temperatures. This summer has also set national heat records, with Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius on Aug. 2, marking the highest temperature recorded in South Korea since nationwide observations began in 1904. The heat has also led to significant livestock losses, with South Korea reporting 901,602 animal deaths through Aug. 7. Chickens and ducks make up approximately 95% of the total fatalities. These losses are roughly 55% of what was recorded during the same period last year. Despite the widespread impact, retail prices for broiler chickens remained relatively stable at 5,925 won per kilogram on Aug. 7, remaining below 6,000 won for the first time since February. Extreme Weather Conditions Affect Farms and Fisheries Coastal aquaculture has also suffered heavy losses as seawater temperatures rise. Fish farms reported 864,497 deaths through Aug. 7, intensifying pressure on local seafood supplies. Between July 27 and Aug. 1, flounder averaged 22,300 won per kilogram at auction, a 2.29% increase from the previous week and a 13.2% rise compared to the same period last year.