French agriculture faces production declines due to heat and drought

Extreme heatwaves and drought are significantly impacting French agricultural production. In the dairy sector, dried pastures have led to reduced milk yields, forcing producers of several Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) cheeses—including Salers, Beaufort, Comté, Abondance, and Roquefort—to limit or suspend production. Scientists warn that the lack of fresh grass in cattle diets may alter the flavor, aroma, and composition of the cheese.

Simultaneously, the potato sector faces a major downturn. The National Association of Potato Producers (UNPT) forecasts that edible potato yields could drop to approximately 37.4 t/ha, a 14% decrease from 2025 and the lowest average in over 30 years. This decline is driven by both weather conditions, including five heatwaves and water deficits, and a 10% reduction in planted area following high supply in previous years. Total edible potato harvests are projected to decrease by nearly 2 million tons compared to 2025.