Heatwave and Drought Pummel French Agriculture: Grapes Scorched, Dairy Output Down Over 20%

(Central News Agency reporter Tseng I-Hsuan, Paris, July 17) France is currently experiencing an abnormally severe and premature drought and heatwave, plunging agriculture into crisis. The impacts span corn, wheat, grapes, dairy products, and egg-laying hens. Industry representatives say it is extremely difficult for farmers to survive, regardless of what crops they grow or livestock they raise.

Arnaud Rousseau, president of the National Federation of Agricultural Holders (FNSEA), told Franceinfo that the agricultural production chain is suffering not only from recent climate changes but also from rising fertilizer prices and falling agricultural product prices, leaving farmers' morale at rock bottom.

He stated that this crisis affects all sectors. Although farmers have been forced to adapt to climate change for years, the recent weather events are extraordinary. "It's a disaster for French agriculture."

Preliminary estimates show severe losses, especially in the dairy sector, where output has decreased by 20% to 30%. Rousseau also pointed out that corn harvests in some regions "will be zero," as corn requires significant water and is particularly vulnerable to drought. Corn plays a crucial role in the agricultural supply chain, and poor harvests will ripple through other industries.

He explained: "Without corn, we can't feed livestock or ducks, and therefore can't make money."

Additionally, fertilizer prices have risen about 30% since the beginning of the year, while agricultural product prices remain low. The French government has announced approximately €150 million (about NT$5.55 billion) in aid, expected to be implemented in August.

For grapes, a vital economic crop for France, the situation is also urgent. Under extreme heat, grapevines are becoming increasingly dry. Winemaker Guillaume Tissot said, "Once they're scorched, they're completely useless," as water-stressed vines protect themselves by halting nutrient delivery to the grapes.

France has experienced heatwaves before, but this year's first wave hit as early as late May, followed by additional waves in June and July.

Gregory Chardon, a fruit grower in the Drôme department, complained that consecutive high temperatures have given fruit trees no time to recover. His apricots were sunburnt and turned yellow, making them unsuitable for market and only sellable to processors at much lower profit.

Egg-laying hens also struggle to withstand sustained high temperatures. Their appetite declines, resulting in smaller eggs and lower prices.

Wheat harvests are also affected, with yields decreasing. Industry players admit that due to drought, wheat grains are smaller than usual.

Meteorologist Grégoire Bonhoure, in an interview with France 3, noted that the normal temperature in southern Occitanie at this time of year is usually between 28°C and 30°C, but this year it has consistently hovered around 36°C, peaking at 40°C.

He also pointed out: "Rainfall is clearly insufficient. The three heatwaves have significantly worsened water shortages in Occitanie. Brief, localized downpours like those in early June are not enough to sustainably irrigate vegetation."

Earlier this week, France's Ministry of Ecological Transition stated that the country is experiencing a drought that arrived about a month earlier than usual and is particularly severe. Of France's 101 departments, 99 have implemented partial or full water restrictions, with 43 reaching "crisis" levels.

Météo-France reported that, except for the southeast which remains hot through the weekend, temperatures are gradually decreasing nationwide. Regarding drought, as of the 15th, soil moisture across the country has dropped to extremely low levels—an unusually early occurrence for summer. Any thunderstorms expected in the coming days may only provide temporary and localized relief. (Editor: Tang Sheng-Yang) 1150717