Drought conditions have severely impacted France, with water usage restrictions in place for several weeks and over 40,000 people experiencing water cuts this summer. The situation has worsened in regions like the Manche, where water supply challenges are particularly acute. In response to the crisis, supermarkets have started accepting "ugly" fruits and vegetables—those that are usually considered too small or unattractive—for sale. This initiative, announced by the Federation of Trade and Distribution on August 18, 2026, aims to support farmers affected by the drought by reducing food waste and helping them sell their produce. Agricultural yields have dropped significantly, with some fruits and vegetables experiencing reductions of up to 100 percent. This has led to rising prices for water-intensive products such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and salads. Marc-André Selosse, a biologist at the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), warned that the reduced water availability is directly impacting agricultural production. The drought has also exacerbated forest fires, which are being fueled by global warming, turning landscapes into "powder kegs" that are highly susceptible to ignition. The drought has altered the structure of soils, leading to a condition called hydrophobicity, where water repels the soil rather than soaking into it. This results in increased runoff and a heightened risk of flooding, even after rainfall. In regions like the Hauts-de-France, this has led to floods that carry away surface soil as mud. Additionally, homes built on clay soils are at risk of damage due to the expansion and contraction of these soils during periods of drought and heatwaves. This phenomenon, known as the shrinkage-swelling of clays (RGA), threatens 60 percent of individual homes, potentially leading to significant financial losses. Efforts to mitigate the impact of the drought include promoting regenerative agriculture, which aims to protect and restore soil health while reducing water use and promoting biodiversity. However, such practices remain underdeveloped in France, with only around 400 farms having converted to regenerative methods. Advocates like Marc-André Selosse emphasize the importance of public awareness and education on soil conservation, highlighting the need for a broader shift in economic organization to address climate change effectively.