Brittany farmers face crop losses from drought and labor shortages

Agricultural producers in Brittany, France, are facing significant challenges due to extreme drought and labor shortages. In Ploumilliau, organic vegetable farmers Aurore and Yohann Le Du report that high soil temperatures, reaching up to 36°C, have devastated crops. They estimate losses of approximately €300,000 due to recent hail and drought, noting that even if crops survive, yields are expected to be smaller and of lower quantity.

The crisis also extends to the production of the AOP-labeled Coco de Paimpol bean. Producers in the region are anticipating a 50% drop in yields for 2026. In addition to climate-related issues, the sector is struggling with a critical labor shortage, as seasonal harvesting work is increasingly difficult to staff with local workers.