European farmers say successive heatwaves and a continent-wide drought have triggered an 'unprecedented' crisis, with vegetable and grain growers warning of 'catastrophic' harvests, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Successive intense heatwaves and a severe, continent-wide drought have hit European farmers.
- Vegetable and grain growers warn of 'catastrophic' harvests.
- French vegetable production is down significantly compared with previous years.
- Reported French shortfalls include 25% for courgettes, 35% for lettuces, 40% for peas, 60% for broccoli and 50% to 100% for artichokes.
- Growers are calling for urgent action.
Successive intense heatwaves and an increasingly severe, continent-wide drought have left many of Europe’s farmers in what growers describe as an ‘unprecedented’ crisis, according to the Guardian. Vegetable and grain producers in particular are warning that the conditions could lead to ‘catastrophic’ harvests.
French growers say vegetable production has fallen by ‘a very significant extent’ compared with previous years. They report substantial shortfalls across a range of staple crops as the extreme weather takes its toll on yields.
According to figures cited by the Guardian, the reported French shortfalls include 25% for courgettes, 35% for lettuces and 40% for peas. The declines are steeper for other crops, with broccoli down 60% and artichoke production falling by anywhere between 50% and 100%.
Vegetable and grain growers have called for urgent action in response to the crisis, warning of the consequences the drought and heat are having on this year’s harvests.
The Guardian reported that the difficulties are being felt across the continent rather than in a single country, reflecting the scale of the drought affecting European agriculture.
Why it matters
Sharp falls in vegetable and grain harvests can push up food prices and squeeze supplies for consumers across Europe. The crisis also highlights how repeated heatwaves and drought are placing growing pressure on farmers and the wider food system.
Frequently asked questions
Which crops are most affected in France?
According to the Guardian, French shortfalls include 25% for courgettes, 35% for lettuces, 40% for peas, 60% for broccoli and 50% to 100% for artichokes.
What is causing the crisis?
The Guardian reports the crisis stems from successive intense heatwaves and an increasingly severe, continent-wide drought affecting European farmers.
What are farmers asking for?
Vegetable and grain growers are calling for urgent action, warning of 'catastrophic' harvests.