"[We may not see it tomorrow] 'Even the peaches that started instead of apples'... Farmers agonizing over climate change

[※ Editor's note = Global warming is transforming our lives. Agricultural and marine product maps are changing, and rising sea levels have put seaside beaches at risk of closure. With repeated unprecedented heavy rains and droughts, agricultural product prices have skyrocketed. Unfunny mishaps such as a "flowerless flower festival" and an "iceless ice festival" have emerged. If this continues, what we take for granted now may disappear in the future. The Yonhap News Agency reports weekly from the front lines of the scenes of upheaval due to climate change and seeks solutions.] (Gyeongsan=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Hyeon-tae = "In the past three years, damage from cold weather and diseases and pests has been particularly severe." Farmer Choi Chun-geun (61), who has been growing heavenly peaches in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, for over 20 years, is frustrated by the unpredictable weather due to climate change. "The price is also a problem. When prices were good in the past, they were around 70,000 won per 5 kg, but last year they plummeted to around 20,000 won." With no hair on the surface and a sleek shape. Compared to regular peaches, heavenly peaches have firmer flesh and a unique sweet and sour taste. Gyeongsan is the main domestic production area for heavenly peaches. Although more than ten varieties of heavenly peaches have been developed through continuous research, the cultivation environment has become increasingly unfavorable due to climate change. ◇ "Even heavenly peaches, which were started to be cultivated instead of apples"... Farmers frustrated by climate change Mr. Choi said, "I used to cultivate heavenly peaches on 5,000 to 6,000 pyeong of land, but now I only have 2,000 pyeong, and I need to reduce it further," he said with a grim expression. He explained, "Because winters have become warmer, peach blossoms bloom earlier than usual, leading to increased damage from cold weather such as spring snow and frost. Also, because there are frequent heatwaves and heavy rains until autumn, damage from diseases and pests, as well as fruit drop, sugar content reduction, and poor coloration, is severe." Heavenly (天桃) means "heavenly peach." In Chinese classics, it is described as a fruit for immortality and as a fruit of immortals. It is mainly cultivated in Gyeongsan, as well as in Yeongcheon and Cheongdo. "Because the temperature has become warmer and apple farming has not been successful, everyone in the region started cultivating heavenly peaches 30 to 40 years ago..."