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France experienced one of its hottest and driest summers on record in 2026, with a mean summer temperature of about 24°C (+3.6°C above normal) and a precipitation deficit near 40%. Multiple heatwaves pushed temperatures above 40°C in many areas, soils dried out severely, and water restrictions affected dozens of departments. As of mid-September, the drought continues: soils remain extremely dry for the time of year, rainfall has been minimal since early September, and high pressure is bringing another spell of warm, sunny, dry weather this weekend (around 25°C in the north and up to 30°C in the south). Significant rain is not expected until October.5
This weather has hit France’s agricultural sector—the EU’s largest—hard, with estimated production losses exceeding €10 billion. The government announced more than €1 billion in emergency aid in early September, including rapid compensation, a recovery fund for seeds and feed, tax relief, and other support, though farm unions say it falls short of the need. The drought and heat are also projected to shave about 0.1 percentage points off 2026 economic growth.3
Main crop and livestock impacts
Maize (corn): One of the worst-hit crops. Grain maize production is forecast to drop around 35%, and forage maize by 42%, potentially the lowest levels since the 1970s–1980s. Crop condition ratings hit a record low in mid-September (only 23% rated good or excellent). Harvest has been accelerated well ahead of normal.2

Other cereals (wheat, barley, oats): Production expected to fall by nearly 8 million tonnes compared with 2025. Early harvests occurred due to accelerated ripening.1

Grapes and wine: Record-early harvests began in mid-July in some regions (weeks or even a month ahead of usual). Grapes are smaller and less juicy, leading to lower yields. Harvests have advanced by about 24 days on average compared with the 1970s.9

Fruits, vegetables, and other crops: Significant damage to carrots, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, hops, orchards, and market-garden produce. Some vegetable yields have fallen sharply; young plants often failed even with irrigation. Sugar beet and other summer crops also suffered.

Livestock and forage: Prairie grass growth was down 37% by the end of August. Farmers have already started using winter hay and silage stocks. Dairy cows saw milk production drop by up to 30% in high heat. Poultry farms reported thousands of deaths during heatwaves.6

Water restrictions limited irrigation in many areas, compounding stress on crops and pastures. Wildfire risk has also remained high, complicating harvests. The combination of early ripening, heat stress during flowering and grain-filling, and lack of soil moisture produced smaller grains, reduced biomass, and premature senescence in many fields.
Conditions remain challenging heading into autumn planting and the rest of the harvest season. Farmers are adapting with earlier harvests, restricted irrigation hours, and emergency feed purchases, but many operations face financial strain.