France launches global support plan for farmers amid heatwaves, drought and fires

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced a "global plan" to assist farms facing extreme heat, drought and wildfires. The package includes emergency cash‑flow aid, coverage of social‑security contributions, simplified procedures, derogations and measures to help the most severely affected farms resume production. It also calls for case‑by‑case water‑management adaptations in line with the 2023 drought‑guide and inter‑ministerial instructions.

The ministry said 98 departments are affected by the drought, with 57 declared in crisis and subject to strict water‑use restrictions. Since late June, successive heatwaves have caused massive livestock losses, reduced milk yields, historically low corn output and a wheat harvest projected to fall at least 4 %. Fruit and vegetable crops, especially in Brittany, are suffering severe damage.

Details of the financial and operational measures remain to be specified, but the plan aims to ensure that no farmer is left alone in confronting the climatic emergency.