Key facts
- Heatwaves and droughts are expected to cause sharp declines in key crop yields across Europe this year.
- The EU forecasts an 8% to 9% reduction in maize, sunflower, and soya bean yields due to hot weather.
- Cereal yields are approximately 2% lower than the five-year average.
- France's corn crop is anticipated to be the lowest in two decades.
- The ongoing war in Ukraine has contributed to higher food prices by increasing fuel and fertilizer costs.
Europe is facing significantly reduced crop yields this year due to widespread heatwaves and droughts, a situation that is expected to worsen global food price inflation. The European Union forecasts an 8% to 9% drop in yields for key crops such as maize, sunflower, and soya beans. Cereal yields are already down approximately 2% compared to the five-year average. In France, the corn crop is projected to be the lowest in 20 years.
The extreme weather conditions have coincided with critical crop development stages, and low water reservoir levels are hindering irrigation efforts. These yield reductions come at a time when global food supplies are already under pressure due to the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted exports and increased the costs of essential farming inputs like fuel and fertilizer. While a fragile deal has been reached to allow some Ukrainian grain shipments, the overall impact on food prices remains significant.
Historical data from the summer of 2003 highlights the severe impact of extreme heatwaves on European agriculture. In that year, Italy experienced a record 36% drop in maize yield, and France saw a 30% reduction in its maize grain crop. The agricultural sector in the European Union incurred an estimated ¤13 billion in economic losses during that period.