Hessen agriculture faces yield losses due to drought and heat

Drought and heat conditions this summer have caused varying levels of yield and quality losses for crops in Hessen, according to the Hessian Farmers' Association (Hessischer Bauernverband). The most affected crops include potatoes, corn, sugar beets, and certain fruit varieties.

While scarcity can lead to higher prices along the value chain, the exact impact on consumer food prices remains difficult to predict. The association notes that availability from other regions in Europe and globally can offset local shortages. For example, grain prices are heavily influenced by international markets.

Furthermore, consumer prices for products like bread are driven significantly by energy, personnel, transport, and processing costs rather than raw material prices alone. Many farms utilizing direct marketing have also faced rising costs and increased competitive pressure, leading some to raise selling prices despite smaller harvests.