France is facing one of its smallest apple harvests in recent history, with an expected 30% drop compared to last year, according to Cidres de France, an interprofessional organization that represents apple growers and cider producers. The apple harvest, which has already started in various regions and will continue through December, is being severely impacted by prolonged heatwaves and a lack of rainfall. France’s 9,000 hectares of apple orchards are suffering from the effects of a severe drought, which could result in a total production of less than 200,000 tons of apples—used mainly for cider and juice—this year, down from around 300,000 tons last year. Jean-Paul Benassi, director of Cidres de France, estimates that this year's harvest may be the lowest in the past 15 to 20 years. The situation has raised concerns among producers, who are now preparing for potential price increases to offset the losses. Currently, a liter of apple juice or cider costs about two euros on average, but prices could rise due to the reduced supply and higher production costs. The extreme weather conditions this summer have been the worst in recorded history, with record-breaking temperatures and minimal rainfall. This has led to a severe drought across much of the country, affecting not only agriculture but also water resources. According to the BRGM, France’s national geological service, 61% of groundwater levels were below normal as of September 1, highlighting the depth of the crisis. The combination of high temperatures and low rainfall has created challenging conditions for farmers, who are now struggling to maintain their usual output. The impact of this year’s drought is expected to be felt not only in the apple industry but also across other agricultural sectors, raising concerns about food security and the long-term sustainability of farming in France.