Key facts
- Heatwaves and droughts are expected to cause sharp declines in key crop yields across Europe this year.
Heatwaves and droughts across Europe are expected to significantly reduce grain production this year, with the EU forecasting an 8% to 9% drop in maize, sunflower, and soya bean yields. This decline exacerbates existing pressures on food prices, already impacted by the war in Ukraine and rising input costs.
The projected decline in grain production across Europe due to heatwaves will exacerbate existing pressures on global food prices, already heightened by the war in Ukraine and increased input costs for farmers.
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.
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