France’s farms lose billions as heatwaves scorch crops

France’s summer heatwaves did more than threaten public health—they also dealt a heavy blow to the country’s farms. Officials now say the extreme heat and drought have sharply cut harvests, and they expect the value of agricultural output to fall by 8% this year. That drop will ripple through the wider economy. Analysts estimate the losses will shave 0.1 percentage points off France’s economic growth in 2026. The figures highlight how climate extremes are no longer just an environmental concern, but a direct drag on national prosperity. For now, farmers face the immediate cost of parched fields, while the rest of the economy will feel the pinch in the years ahead.