Since the end of May, France has been grappling with a severe drought and a series of intense heatwaves that have disrupted its agricultural sector. These extreme weather conditions have affected various farming activities across the country, with impacts varying by region and crop type. The effects are being attributed to global warming, which has increasingly led to unpredictable and extreme weather patterns. Initial estimates suggest that the damage is widespread, affecting not only mainland France but also its overseas territories.
According to France's Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, nearly all sectors of farming—ranging from vegetable and fruit growers to cereal producers and livestock farmers—are facing serious consequences. Regional officials report that in several areas, crops have suffered yield losses of 50% or more, and many farms are now seeking aid exceeding 10,000 euros. Corn, a crop that requires significant water, has been particularly hard hit, with production dropping nearly 45% for grain corn and about 50% for silage corn. This has led to an estimated 2.5 billion euros in losses for farms, as reported by the General Association of Corn Producers (AGPM).
Other crops have also experienced setbacks, though not as severe as corn. For example, soft wheat production is down 4% compared to 2025, while barley and oats have seen drops of 7% and 21%, respectively. However, forage cereals, which are typically harvested in the winter, have fared better because the heatwaves occurred later in the growing season. In the case of oilseeds, such as sunflower and soybean, reduced yields might be offset by an increase in the area cultivated, according to preliminary data from the statistical service of the Ministry of Agriculture (Agreste).
Vegetables and root crops have also suffered greatly. The National Union of Potato Producers (UNPT) reports a 23% drop in the potato harvest, calling it an "unprecedented drop." Similarly, beetroot production has seen a 20% decline compared to the average of the last five years. The Légumes de France federation estimates that certain vegetables like lettuce and leeks have experienced losses of up to 50% of their annual harvests. This has led to concerns about short-term shortages, as imports cannot fully compensate for the losses. Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture has noted that there has not been a general rise in prices, offering some reassurance to consumers.
French Agriculture Faces Historic Drought and Heatwave Damage Across Sectors
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