In the Aube department in northeastern France, the beetroot harvest is expected to be severely impacted, with farmers and industry groups warning of a challenging year. Prolonged drought and extreme heat have disrupted the usual growing cycle, causing beetroots—often used for sugar production—to develop more slowly or not at all. The beetroot harvest typically runs from July to November, but this year, the effects of the harsh weather have been so severe that the Interprofessional Association of Beetroot and Sugar (AIBS) has called the situation "extremely worrying." They predict a national beet production drop of more than 20% compared to the average over the past five years. In several regions, including Aube, Yonne, Seine-et-Marne, and others, beetroot yields are expected to be "catastrophic," with many fields left unharvested due to the damage caused by the extreme weather. According to the agricultural publication Le Betteravier, the combination of drought and heat has left crops in a critical state. Farmers are reporting that their plants are prioritizing survival over growth, making it difficult to produce a viable harvest. Compounding the problem, beetroot fields in Aube are also being affected by rhizome, a type of soil-borne fungus that causes the roots to rot underground. Alain Carré, a beetroot farmer from Aube, told France 3 Grand Est that he expects his 2026 harvest to be the worst in his career. Out of 55 hectares of beetroots he grows, he anticipates harvesting only 25. "Even in a bad year, we usually get at least 40 tons," he said. "This is something we've never seen before." In response to the crisis, farmers like Carré are preparing to meet with officials, including Annie Genevard, director of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Pascal Gauci, the prefect of Aube. While the Grand Est region has received 17.7 million euros from a national support plan aimed at helping farmers affected by climate-related crises, the funds for Aube will be allocated to the most severely impacted producers. The government will need to identify these producers by early October to ensure the aid reaches those in the greatest need.