Strawberry prices in Taiwan have spiked to over US$30 per kilogram after strawberry production dropped by around 50 percent this season due to high temperatures, diseases and pests.
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00:00Plump and red, and usually abundant during late fall to spring in Taiwan,
00:05strawberries are found in all kinds of desserts and drinks.
00:08But this year, strawberry season is looking a little different,
00:11with Taiwan facing a shortage after producing around 50% less than usual.
00:16That's because hot temperatures, likely influenced by climate change,
00:19as well as pests and diseases, are causing crops to die.
00:31The shortage of strawberries has caused prices to soar in Taiwan,
00:35with one kilogram of strawberries now costing over 30 U.S. dollars,
00:39and meaning some are choosing not to use the fruit on their desserts.
00:50But some farmers in Taiwan's central Miaoli County,
00:53which produces most of the country's strawberries, are trying something new,
00:57a different kind of planting method,
00:59where strawberries are planted in elevated containers rather than in the ground.
01:03This protects strawberry crops from hot temperatures,
01:06and farmers say it's been working, increasing their profit.
01:13Farmers say as more strawberries grow, prices will return to normal,
01:17likely after Lunar New Year.
01:19But for now, Taiwan's strawberry shortage continues.
01:23James Lynn and Cadence Coronta for Taiwan Plus.