Key facts
- A widespread drought is affecting crops across Europe, including potatoes, corn, and grapes.
- Dutch farmers are experiencing significantly reduced potato harvests, with some crops ready a month early.
- Bosnian corn yields are projected to be as low as 1.5 to 2 tons per hectare, down from 6-7 tons.
- Czech beer producer Plzeňský Prazdroj anticipates losses due to a poor hops yield.
- Record-low water levels on the Danube River are disrupting grain transport in Romania.
- A large farm in eastern England has a reservoir that is almost dry, despite significant investment in water storage.
A severe and prolonged drought is impacting agricultural output across Europe, leading to crop failures, reduced yields, and economic losses. Farmers in countries including the Netherlands, Bosnia, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary are contending with soaring temperatures and a critical lack of water.
In the Netherlands, farmers like Maarten Janse and Hendrik Jan ten Cate are struggling with parched fields. Ten Cate anticipates a harvest reduction of about one-third for his potatoes, which are used for French fries, due to the combined effects of drought, sun, and hot days. Water usage restrictions are in place in many parts of the country.
Bosnian agriculture, a significant contributor to the national economy, is also hard hit. Corn farmer Slavisa Lukic expects yields to be drastically lower than in previous years, with clover fields disappearing entirely.
The drought's impact extends to the Czech Republic's famous beer industry, with the largest producer, Plzeňský Prazdroj, fearing losses due to a stunted hops yield. Changes in rainfall patterns are cited as a major concern for hop growers.
In Romania, while some drought-resistant crops like sunflowers are faring better, record-low water levels on the Danube River are disrupting grain transport, leading to storage issues for farmers.
Hungarian dairy farmer Sándor Molnár is facing the challenge of buying expensive feed for his cows as his land has received no rain since late May.
Even large farms that have invested in water infrastructure, like Elveden Estate in the UK with its substantial reservoir, are expressing concern about having enough water to last the season.
An analysis by Dutch bank Triodos estimates that the ongoing heatwaves and drought could reduce the European Union's gross domestic product by 1% in 2026, amounting to approximately 180 billion euros.