Extreme heat devastates crops, livestock across France, minister warns

France’s agricultural sector is suffering massive damage from the ongoing extreme heatwave, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said in an interview with Les Echos.

According to the minister, the current spell of scorching temperatures is unprecedented in its intensity and has hit farmers particularly hard, making it essential for authorities to accelerate adaptation measures in response to climate change.

“The impact on agriculture is colossal,” Genevard stressed.

She outlined three possible areas for action to help prevent the devastating effects of extreme heat on the agricultural sector. The first is the expansion of agroforestry through the creation of mixed areas combining woodlands and grazing land. Secondly, the minister called for the faster deployment of cooling and water-spraying systems, rather than air conditioning, in facilities housing livestock and other farm animals. Finally, she argued for the development of water storage reserves during periods of winter surplus to provide irrigation and drinking water for livestock during the summer months.

Genevard said yield losses across all agricultural crops are inevitable, particularly for corn and wheat. She noted that the extent of the damage will depend on whether fields are irrigated, adding that a full assessment will only be possible once the harvest season is complete.

The minister also warned that the heatwave is having a major impact on the livestock sector.

“The situation varies depending on the type of animal, but it affects all of them. We are seeing increased mortality rates and lower milk production,” Genevard said.

She voiced support for an emergency agricultural aid bill aimed at assisting affected farmers, which is set to be considered by the Senate.

By Jeyhun Aghazada