Europe’s Farmers Face ‘Catastrophic’ Harvests as Drought Worsens

Successive heatwaves and a severe, continent-wide drought have pushed many of Europe’s farmers into an “unprecedented” crisis, with vegetable and grain growers warning of “catastrophic” harvest losses. French growers report that vegetable production has fallen sharply compared with previous years. Shortfalls are estimated at 25% for courgettes, 35% for lettuces, 40% for peas, 60% for broccoli, and between 50% and 100% for artichokes. Farmers are calling for urgent action as the dry conditions continue to threaten food supplies across the region.