Issues: Global Warming

If you're a crop farmer . . . look out. Global warming could cause your yields to suffer.

Sugarcane farmers could face a 20 percent drop in yields because of warmer temperatures. This would put Florida at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring Louisiana, where temperature increases will actually help that state's sugarcane farmers. In Florida, frequent flooding caused by climate-induced sea-level rise will likely damage rootstocks, and may intensify polluted runoff problems already associated with sugarcane production.

Tomato growers could face a shorter growing cycle because of increased temperatures, driving down tomato yields. In addition, irrigation requirements may increase by as much as 35 percent, further burdening farmers. All told, yields could drop by as much as 44 percent for Sunshine State tomato farmers.

Photo: US Sugar Corp.