# European agriculture crisis and rising produce prices > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/belgian-agriculture-sector-crisis > Updated: 2026-09-06T08:51:04.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5. The Belgian and European agricultural sectors continue to face severe instability driven by climate volatility and rising operational costs. While Belgian farmers previously struggled with extreme weather and competition from large imports, recent data indicates a broader contraction in European produce yields. According to the Bologna Potato Exchange Joint Commission, European potato yields are estimated to contract by 15% to 20%, a decline compounded by an 11% reduction in cultivated land. In Belgium, extreme weather—characterized by heavy spring rains followed by intense heat and drought—is now devastating potato harvests. Farmers report that hard, cracked soil is preventing proper crop growth. In the Amay region, the Bintje potato variety is being stunted, with many tubers appearing no larger than ping-pong balls. As a major exporter of frozen fries, the Belgian industry faces difficulties meeting strict supply contracts, leading some producers to rely on surplus stocks from previous years. Market prices for various fruits and vegetables are facing upward pressure across Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Zucchini prices are rising due to sharp weekly supply reductions, while cucumbers have seen price increases following hail damage and early ripening. Eggplants and tomatoes are also experiencing price increases. Recent reports from Copa-Cogeca warn that intensifying extreme weather, including high temperatures and water shortages, poses a growing risk to food security. Corn losses are estimated at 40% in France and up to 70% in Slovenia and parts of Italy. Livestock sectors face pasture shortages, with hay production losses reaching up to 90% in parts of Germany, while Italian milk production has decreased by 10% to 15%. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Belgium potato harvests devastated by extreme drought Severe drought and extreme weather in Belgium are ruining potato harvests, producing undersized tubers that threaten the country's vital frozen fry export industry. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgium-potato-harvests-devastated-by-extreme-drought ### 2026-08-26: European potato harvests face crisis due to extreme weather Extreme weather and drought are causing major potato harvest failures in Belgium and France, leading to smaller yields, lower quality, and potential price increases across Europe. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/climate-change-impacts-european-potato-harvests-and-variety-development ### 2026-08-11: Belgium agriculture faces crisis from drought and heat Severe drought and heat in Belgium are causing up to 50% losses in potato yields and creating critical feed shortages for the livestock sector. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgium-agriculture-faces-crisis-from-drought-and-heat ### 2026-07-23: Belgian farmers face deepening crisis ahead of Libramont agricultural fair At Belgium's Libramont fair, farmers highlight low prices, rising costs and climate stress, blaming Mercosur imports for price drops and urging stronger policy support. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgian-farmers-face-deepening-crisis-ahead-of-libramont-agricultural-fair ### 2026-07-22: Belgium's farms halve in 30 years as productivity growth slows Belgium’s farms have dropped by half in three decades while average size triples, and hourly productivity growth has halved since 2008, raising concerns for the economy. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgiums-farms-halve-in-30-years-as-productivity-growth-slows --- Cite as: European agriculture crisis and rising produce prices. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/belgian-agriculture-sector-crisis