Mango mango mango… we all love mango. But mango trees don’t love climate change.
As part of our regular business activities, we make sure to connect with our farmers, and take time to understand how they work and how they feel – and what their challenges are.
Last week, Emmanuel (COO) went to visit mango farmers all across the Eastern Region (from Amanfro to Asseseso) and stopped by our friend and partners Hendy Farms.
All farmers mentioned how climate change (fluctuating and unexpected temperature changes and weather conditions) has caused issues with the growth process. They describe “burning” of blossoms.
Contrary to what you might expect, “burning” of the blossoms comes from too much rain. Flowers are damaged and drop off the tree branches. Where the damage occurs the flowers look brown(ish) – hence a look of being “burnt.” These burnt flowers, of course, cannot become fruit. Excess rain also causes diseases in the trees and rot on the ripening fruit.
It’s not always obvious how to mitigate these issues and continuous research is necessary. In the meantime, we want to at least make sure we’re helping provide a livelihood to these farmers. So, as often as you can, please buy fresh or dried mango.