A punishing European drought shrivels crops from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn
Farmers face water restrictions and lower harvests as record-low river levels disrupt grain transport and leave some crops too small or stunted.
- Severe drought across Europe damaged crops on Tuesday, with farmers from the Netherlands to Bosnia reporting failing harvests due to extreme heat and lack of rainfall since late May.
- Triodos, a Dutch bank focused on sustainability, estimated the heatwaves and drought could reduce European Union gross domestic product by 1% for 2026, or around $208 billion.
- Reservoirs at Elveden Estate in England dropped to 20% capacity, prompting managing director Andrew Blenkiron to state, "We're very concerned that we haven't got enough water."
- Low water levels on the Danube River disrupted grain transport and congested terminals, while stunted hops yields threaten production at Czech Republic's PlzeHsk Prazdroj brewery.
- Farmers like Sándor Molnár, who buys expensive feed for his 130 cows, hope for better weather next year as inconsistent yields and low groundwater levels persist across the continent.
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29 Articles
Alarm of the agricultural associations for the situation in the province of Alexandria: "Zone where it hasn't rained since the end of May" . Loss up to 70 percent of the crop for vegetables and fruit, in decrease also the production of milk
European drought shrivels crops despite farmers’ best efforts to adapt
The drought roasting much of Europe this summer is taking a heavy toll on crops across the continent, from potatoes in the Netherlands to corn in Bosnia. Triodos, a Dutch bank with a focus on sustainability, has warned that this could reduce gross domestic product across the EU by 1 percent for 2026 – or around €180 billion.
The extreme heat and drought affecting Europe are causing serious losses in agricultural production. From potatoes in the Netherlands to corn in Bosnia, hops in the Czech Republic, and irrigation reserves in the UK, the crisis is escalating across many sectors, and it is estimated that the drought could cost the EU economy around €180 billion by 2026.
Associated Press News
A punishing European drought shrivels crops from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn
A drought that is slamming Europe this summer is hitting farmers across Europe hard. From potatoes and onions in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to Bosnian corn fields and Italian vineyards, harvests are happening early and yields are expected to be down as bone-dry weather stunts crops.
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