French Farmers Face Triple Threat: Poor Harvests, Low Prices, Soaring Costs

Jean Lefevre, a French farmer, has experienced one of the worst wheat harvests in decades due to relentless rain that hindered planting and growth. France is set for its poorest wheat crop since the 1980s. Farmers also face rising costs and static prices, amplifying their financial struggles.

Jean Lefevre, like many French farmers, has just endured one of the worst wheat harvests in decades as relentless rain marred planting and gathering efforts. France, the EU's largest grain producer, experienced particularly wet weather this past year, including violent storms and its wettest spring ever.

The soggy conditions delayed sowing and hampered crop development, leading the farm ministry to predict the worst wheat crop since the 1980s, down 25% from last year. Winter barley and other cereals were similarly affected. "Since October, we've been working in soaked conditions. Many neighbors have struggled with stuck harvesters and trailers," said Lefevre, a farmer in northern France's Oise region.

Wheat, France's most widely cultivated cereal, has seen exports restrained by global competition, particularly from Black Sea countries. Rising production costs post-pandemic, coupled with lower volumes and prices, exacerbate farmers' woes. "We're facing catastrophic crops, low prices, and unprecedented costs," said Laurent Pollet, another Oise farmer. The crisis is compounded by a lack of governmental support following recent elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)