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Record-breaking heat waves are expected to drive up the cost of fruits and vegetables in the United States as farmers face higher growing costs. Tom Avinelis, who owns organic farms in California and Oregon, told CNBC that extreme heat has caused more fruit to shrivel, resulting in lower harvest yields.

This trend is a stark reversal from last year's 1% decrease in produce prices, as noted in June's Consumer Price Index data.

Record Heat's Impact on Agriculture

Now, the impact of heat on agriculture isn't limited to specialty crops. Corn, one of the most widely grown crops in the U.S., is also suffering.

A 2021 study by the Atlantic Council projected that heat-related crop losses could cost U.S. corn growers $1.7 billion annually by 2030. The study warns that this could lead to farm closures and higher prices for food and livestock feed.

Some researchers, like Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam from the University of Waterloo, are exploring ways to help farmers adapt. His team found that higher temperatures could significantly reduce strawberry yields, prompting a call for effective climate change adaptation strategies. These findings are crucial for guiding future agricultural practices, especially for high-value crops like strawberries.

Henry Gordon-Smith, CEO of Agritecture, notes that many farmers are considering moving operations indoors to better control environmental factors.

However, the high costs of such a transition could further increase produce prices.

For those unable or unwilling to make the shift, technologies like sensors and artificial intelligence offer alternative ways to manage the challenges posed by extreme heat.