Drought puts Normandy apple growers under pressure ahead of harvest

Caen – 01.08.2026: Shortly before the start of the apple harvest, concern is growing in Normandy about the effects of drought and high temperatures. Water shortages are putting trees under stress; intense sunlight can damage fruit while it is still on the tree. For farms with limited irrigation options, the risk is increasing that apples will remain smaller or be more difficult to market because of external damage.

In the Calvados department, the prefecture again tightened restrictions on water use in July. Several catchment areas, including Bessin, Orne Moyenne, Orne Aval and Virois, were assigned to a stricter alert level due to the persistently strained situation. The decision was based on an assessment of water resources by the responsible committee on 16 July. Such requirements are particularly consequential for fruit-growing operations because the water needs of orchards during a sensitive growth phase must be balanced against available resources.

The first official forecast for France’s dessert apple harvest is also subdued. As of 9 July, Agreste, the Agriculture Ministry’s statistical service, projected production at 1.52 million tonnes. That would be five percent less than in 2025. Declines are expected in most major growing regions. In addition to the weather, however, the natural year-to-year variation in fruit set also affects the outcome.

The agency has so far assessed the immediate effects of the heat more cautiously than some producers. Many commercial apple orchards have irrigation, which is why no serious losses in volume had been identified by early July. A prolonged heatwave could nevertheless slow fruit growth. In addition to lower yields, farms could therefore face shifts between quality grades and correspondingly lower revenues.

In Normandy, the economic consequences extend beyond the sale of dessert fruit. Cider apples provide the raw material for cider, Calvados and other regional products. If harvest volumes and juice yields are weaker, this could limit the quantities available to cider mills and distilleries. The extent to which individual farms are affected depends on location, variety, soil and irrigation options.

At the same time, FranceAgriMer opened a support programme on 1 August for the establishment and renewal of cider fruit orchards. Plantings of cider apples and cider pears between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027 are eligible for support. The programme is intended to adapt the variety structure to the industry’s future needs. The current drought period also highlights that site selection, resilient orchards and a reliable water supply are becoming increasingly important for future investments.