France farm rent index to rise 3.23% in 2026

The French national farm rent index (indice des fermages) will increase by 3.23% for 2026, according to an official decree published on August 13. This brings the index to 127.04, up from 123.06 in 2025, marking the eighth consecutive year of increases.

The index calculation is legally determined by two factors: 60% based on the evolution of the national gross agricultural farm income over the previous five years, and 40% based on the general price level (GDP price index) from the previous year.

The agricultural union Coordination rurale had previously requested an immediate freeze on the index to protect farm cash flow, citing difficulties caused by drought, heatwaves, water restrictions, and a challenging economic climate. The union noted that agricultural rents have increased by nearly 20% between 2022 and 2026, despite financial struggles facing many farms. The Ministry of Agriculture did not grant the request for a freeze.