The agricultural cooperative Limagrain recently welcomed regional prefect Étienne Guyot and the prefect of Puy-de-Dôme, Anne Frackowiak-Jacobs, for a meeting. The discussion centered around the severe challenges faced by the region due to an unprecedented drought in 2026, which has had a major impact on farming activities. Corn harvests are currently underway in the Limagne plain, but the effects of the dry season are still being felt. According to Limagrain's president, Sébastien Vidal, the consequences of this year's drought are expected to last at least 12 months, making it difficult to move past the crisis. "It is difficult to say that we will turn the page, because unfortunately this year will follow us for at least a year, due to the lack of availability," he warned. The extent of the crisis is reflected in the significant shortfall in crop production. Limagrain is missing between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes of corn, a loss that cannot be compensated for by other regions in France. As a result, the cooperative is seeking to import volumes from abroad to meet its needs. Corn seed production is also expected to fall short of planned targets, despite Limagrain's presence in multiple regions. Sunflower crops were not spared either, with losses estimated at between 30 and 40 percent—far more than anticipated. Vidal confirmed that these losses are the most severe in the history of Limagrain and are considered historic for the region's farms. Beyond the immediate losses, Limagrain is also working to support its members through a challenging year. The cooperative is implementing measures such as increasing advance payments for crops to provide much-needed cash flow to farms. It is also considering offering advances on future deliveries with reduced interest rates. Vidal has long advocated for structural investments to ensure the resilience of agricultural production in the Limagne region. These efforts are part of a broader push for long-term sustainability in farming practices. During the meeting, Étienne Guyot noted that while the drought was not the main topic of discussion, it naturally influenced the conversation. The extreme heat and dry conditions of the summer had a significant impact on agriculture, prompting discussions about water management, research, and production strategies. Vidal seized the opportunity to reiterate the importance of improving water infrastructure, particularly through the development of additional dam capacity. He emphasized that ensuring sufficient water supply is crucial not only for agriculture but for all sectors of the economy, including food production for the public.