Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Europe’s Scorching Summer Damages Farms and Raises Food Prices
Europe has had a very hot and dry summer.
The lack of rain is hurting farms in countries such as France and Britain.
French grape growers have seen their crops suffer.
In England, three-quarters of the country is in drought.
This is the third drought there in five years.
Vegetables are not growing normally, and cows are producing less milk.
Grass is growing too slowly, so farmers are using feed saved for winter.
These problems could make food more expensive, and farmers are not feeling ready to celebrate with champagne.
Severe summer heat and drought have damaged French grape harvests and English gardens.
Three-quarters of England is experiencing drought, the third such drought in five years.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says Britain’s harvest may be the smallest on record.
Vegetables are stunted, while milk production has fallen because cows are stressed and grass growth is limited.
Farmers are using winter feed early, adding pressure to already high food prices.
- Who
- European farmers, including grape growers and English livestock farmers, are affected.
- What
- Heat and drought are damaging crops, reducing milk production, and threatening Britain’s harvest.
- When
- During the summer described in the article; England’s drought is the third in five years.
- Where
- France, England, and more broadly Europe.
- Why
- Hot, dry conditions have limited water and grass growth, stressed livestock, and damaged crops.
- Drought coverage
- Three-quarters of England is in drought.
- Drought frequency
- The article describes this as England’s third drought in five years.
- British harvest outlook
- The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit says Britain’s harvest may be the smallest on record.
- Crop impact
- Vegetables are stunted, and French grapes have been damaged.
- Livestock impact
- Milk production is down because cows are stressed and grass is not growing fast enough.
- Feed supplies
- Farmers are using winter feed earlier than usual.
- Economic effect
- The agricultural damage is driving up already high food prices.