Instant Alert: There could be a pumpkin pie shortage this year — here's one theory on why

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   There could be a pumpkin pie shortage this year — here's one theory on why by Alex Mierjeski on Oct 31, 2015, 12:22 PM Advertisement Unusually wet weather patterns in the so-called pumpkin capital of the world, Morton, Illinois, have become more frequent in recent decades, causing an estimated 50 percent drop in the state's pumpkin yield from 2014 numbers, according to producers. That drop off could have ripple effects throughout the U.S. market, which relies on one Illinois company—Libby's—for a majority of canned pumpkin. That could mean less pumpkin pie at dinner tables nationwide. But climate scientists say the bad crop could trace its origins to something much more sinister than seasonal spirits or apparitions. "The primary cause of the current shortage is the record-setting precipitation in June," veteran Illinois climatologist Jim Angel wrote earlier this month. "Statewide, the average precipitation in June was 9.43 inches, 5.33 inches above average and the wettest June on record." Angel added that for the months of May, June, and July—an important time for pumpkin planting—precipitation was well above average. Here's what this means for your ERE'S WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR PUMPKIN PIE Producers said that this season's pumpkin harvest would be canned and distributed between November and December, months with major holidays traditionally punctuated by pumpkin pies. But Roz O'Hearn, brand affairs director at Nestlé, which owns Libby's, told the Guardianthat "there just were not as many pumpkins to pick" this year, and that the 2015 crop would be it until next year's harvest. That means some U.S. consumers could be in short supply this holiday season. Angel told the Guardian that, as with other negative effects of abnormal weather patterns, the pumpkin shortage could not be directly linked to climate change. But, he said, historical patterns of precipitation change provided "strong evidence" linking the two phenomenon. According to the Commercial Appeal, consumers will have enough pumpkin stock to make about 45 million 8-inch pies. "Maybe that means you'll have to have one slice instead of two," O'Hearn said. SEE ALSO: Here's how to carve an incredibly realistic 'cheeseburger pumpkin'   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011