Bold Names

Saving Ketchup: The Race to Breed a Tomato for a Warming World

Jun 7, 2024

Learn about the race to breed tomatoes that can thrive in a warming world as hotter and drier weather threatens tomato harvests. Discover how seed breeders are focusing on developing climate-resistant tomatoes to protect crops against the effects of climate change.

17:17

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Quick takeaways

Seed breeders are developing climate-resistant tomatoes to combat shrinking harvests due to hotter and drier weather.

Agricultural companies are investing in drought-resistant seed technology to ensure stable crop production and reduce water consumption.

Deep dives

The Value of Tomatoes in Agriculture and the Threat of Climate Change

Tomatoes, particularly processing tomatoes, are a crucial component in various food products like ketchup and pasta sauce. The declining acreage of tomato crops, mainly in California, due to harsh droughts is a significant concern. With changing climates impacting tomato-growing regions, scientists and seed breeders are striving to develop climate-resistant tomatoes to ensure crop sustainability and agricultural success.

Intro

1min

Developing Climate-Resilient Tomatoes and Ensuring Crop Sustainability

2min

Efforts to Breed Climate-Resistant Tomatoes and Seeds

5min

Breeding New Tomato Varieties for a Warming World

2min

Challenges in Developing Drought-Resistant Crops and the Complexity of Relocating Agriculture

3min

Impact of Climate-Resistant Tomato Varieties on Farmers' Livelihoods

3min

What good is a future without ketchup or pasta sauce? These are just two potential casualties of a changing climate, as tomato growers face shrinking harvests due to hotter and drier weather. WSJ reporter Patrick Thomas takes us behind the scenes of how seed breeders are trying to make a tomato that can thrive with less water, and how that highlights the efforts going into protecting crops against the effects of climate change.

What do you think about the show? Let us know on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or email us: FOEPodcast@wsj.com

Further reading:

The Race to Save Ketchup: Building a Tomato for a Hotter World

How to Eat Your Way to a Greener Planet

Sustainable Agriculture Gets a Push From Big Corporations

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