Drought and Heat Increase Cost Pressure on French Farmers

France – 08/08/2026: Persistent drought and repeated heatwaves are affecting French agriculture well into the current harvest season. Vegetable growers report damage caused by intense sunlight and water shortages, while livestock farmers face growing feed shortages on drought-stricken pastures. The consequences range from lower yields to higher spending on irrigation, feed purchases and animal protection.

The situation is particularly evident on permanent grassland. According to the latest available agricultural data, cumulative grass growth on 10 July was 20 percent below the average for the 1989 to 2018 reference period nationwide. In Limousin, the shortfall approached 40 percent. The heat prevented vegetation from recovering, depriving many farms of a substantial part of their usual feed base.

Livestock farmers must therefore draw on reserves already in summer or purchase additional feed that would otherwise have been intended for autumn and winter. In early July, the Ministry of Agriculture considered easing rules for feed transport between farms. Regional authorities were asked to identify available land and potential bottlenecks so that assistance could be organized more quickly if the supply situation deteriorates further.

Arable farming, fruit growing and vegetable production are also suffering from weather conditions. High temperatures can impair grain filling in cereals, hinder maize pollination and damage sensitive crops. The agricultural administration of Ile-de-France reported a rainfall deficit of almost 20 millimetres in June compared with the seasonal average. At the same time, average temperatures there were more than four degrees above normal levels.

Economically, the trend affects farms from two directions: falling volumes reduce sales revenues, while costs for water, energy, work organization and precautionary measures rise. During extreme heat, harvesting work must more often be shifted to cooler times of day. This protects workers while also limiting the increased risk of field and machinery fires.

At the end of June and beginning of July, the government allowed exemptions for certain fallow land in areas at high risk of fire. These areas may be mown or grazed without farms losing their entitlement to subsidies. Insurers were urged to process agricultural damage claims more quickly and speed up advance payments. According to the ministry, the number of reported cases of damage has risen significantly compared with previous years.

Whether plant stands can still recover depends above all on substantial rainfall. Until then, many livestock farms are drawing prematurely on their winter reserves, while lower harvest volumes and additional irrigation costs are weighing on the current season in crop production.