Identifying Impacts & Adaptation Strategies for Tropical Fruit Farms Affected by Extreme Weather Events in Sub-Tropical Australia : Stakeholders’ Insights

Extreme weather events (EWEs) have significant effects on the productivity, profitability and sustainability of agricultural enterprises and supply chains. This study explored stakeholder insights relating to the impacts of EWEs and relevant adaptation strategies used in tropical fruit farming businesses in sub-tropical Australia. A qualitative research approach was undertaken, involving in-depth interviews with key stakeholders from the tropical fruit farming supply chain, with data being analysed by thematic content analysis. Stakeholders indicated that in the previous five years, EWEs had impacted tropical fruit farming businesses and their related support industries and organisations in multiple ways. Interviewees described adaptation strategies already in use as well as opportunities for improvement. Stakeholder feedback was focussed on ways to improve the speed and effectiveness of existing adaptation options; it also confirmed that further strategic planning and collaboration is needed amongst state government, local government, farmers and associated industry parties. An essential adaptation option for farmers is to be self-prepared to enable a rapid and effective response to future EWEs. These findings will be of interest for fruit farming industry stakeholders, policy makers and relevant researchers, particularly for the many tropical coastal communities across the world, now finding themselves being impacted by EWEs