Key facts
- Successive heatwaves and drought have led to an "unprecedented" crisis for European farmers.
- French vegetable production has seen substantial declines, with courgettes down 25% and broccoli down 60%.
- France's maize harvest is projected to decrease by 35% to approximately 9 million tonnes.
- In Italy, 60% of farmland is affected by drought, leading to a 20% drop in milk production and an estimated €3bn cost.
- Spain's cereal harvests are down significantly in key regions, and wine production is predicted to fall by 20%.
Europe is experiencing an unprecedented agricultural crisis driven by successive intense heatwaves and a severe continent-wide drought. Vegetable and grain growers are warning of catastrophic harvests, with French vegetable production significantly down across multiple crops, including courgettes, lettuces, peas, broccoli, and artichokes. The Prince de Bretagne group highlighted a "historic crisis" in the vegetable sector due to dramatic yield and quality reductions.
Cereal production has also been severely impacted. France, Europe's largest grain producer, expects its maize harvest to fall by 35% compared to 2025 levels, reaching a quantity not seen since 1980. While some of this is attributed to farmers switching crops, the heatwaves have critically battered the crop during its growth cycle.
Livestock farmers are facing significant challenges, with dairy cow milk yields down 10%-15% due to heat stress. Concerns are mounting over winter feed, as hay production for cattle forage is approximately 30% lower than the long-term average and this shortfall is worsening.
Egg production has suffered from high mortality rates in poultry houses, particularly during a June heatwave, leading to a daily output reduction of about 1 million eggs. In Italy, about 60% of farmland is affected by drought, impacting crop yields for corn, rice, soya beans, vegetables, and fruits. Milk production has fallen by 20%, and the overall cost to the sector, including damage from wildfires and storms, is estimated at over €3 billion.
The drought is particularly acute in Italy's Po valley, a key agricultural region. Spain has reported cereal harvest decreases of 35% in Castilla y León, 49% in the Madrid region, and 24% in Andalucía. Sheep and goat's milk production has also declined. Spain's national wine federation predicts a 20% drop in wine production due to smaller grape sizes caused by lack of moisture.
Governments are responding with aid packages. The French Prime Minister has pledged €145 million in immediate aid, along with structural support and investment measures for the 2027 budget.