Intense heatwaves and severe drought across Europe have created what agricultural organizations describe as an unprecedented crisis affecting multiple crop sectors and livestock producers. France’s vegetable production has declined significantly, with losses ranging from 25 percent for courgettes to between 50 and 100 percent for artichokes. Industry groups have called for urgent government intervention, noting that the widespread nature of the damage across all major production regions simultaneously distinguishes this year from previous agricultural challenges.
Cereal production has experienced comparably severe impacts. France’s maize harvest is projected to reach approximately 9 million tonnes, down 35 percent from the previous year and representing levels not seen since 1980. The combination of elevated temperatures consistently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, minimal rainfall, and hot winds has disrupted plant development during critical growth periods. Livestock producers face compounding difficulties, as dairy cows experience heat stress above 25 degrees Celsius, with milk yields declining 10 to 15 percent at numerous operations. Winter feed availability has become a mounting concern, as hay production runs roughly 30 percent below historical averages.
Italian agriculture has similarly suffered acute impacts, with approximately 60 percent of farmland experiencing drought conditions ranging from mild to severe. Corn, rice, and soybean yields have declined substantially, while milk production has fallen 20 percent. The Po Valley, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of Italian rice production, faces particularly acute challenges due to severe depletion of the nation’s longest river, compelling growers to implement unprecedented irrigation practices using alternate-week schedules. Overall sectoral losses in Italy exceed 3 billion euros.
Spanish cereal harvests have dropped 24 to 49 percent depending on region, and sheep and goat milk production has declined 6.5 and 10.8 percent respectively. The national wine federation has forecast a 20 percent production decline for the coming period. Governments have begun implementing financial assistance programs, with France pledging 145 million euros in immediate aid alongside commitments for longer-term structural support measures in upcoming budgets.
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