In France, dairy production is expected to fall by 30% due to the heat
The heat wave has led to a crisis in French agriculture. Dairy production is particularly affected, with losses in the industry ranging from 20% to 30%. This was reported on July 16 by France Info TV channel with reference to the preliminary estimates of the French Federation of Farmers' Trade Unions (FNSEA).
"Morale on French farms is at its lowest. <...> This is a disaster for French farms," said FNSEA President Arnaud Rousseau, commenting on the prolonged drought, heat wave and large—scale forest fires across the country.
Noting that all sectors of agriculture are facing a crisis, and in some regions the harvest was completely destroyed by the heat, Rousseau also pointed to the continuing economic problems. According to him, fertilizer prices have increased by about 30% since the beginning of the year, while prices for agricultural products remain at record lows.
In connection with the situation, the French government has announced the allocation of about €150 million in aid, which is due to take effect on August 1. Representatives of farmers also called on the authorities to engage in a closer dialogue on measures to support the industry.
According to the European mortality monitoring system on July 13, at least 10,000 people died in Europe due to the extreme heat that covered the western part of the continent at the end of June. The data was collected from the national mortality statistics of 27 European countries for the week from 22 to 28 June, when the heat reached its peak in France, Spain, the UK and other countries.
Data from Gas Infrastructure Europe on July 14 shows that France sharply increased gas consumption from reserves in early July amid an abnormal heat wave. The use of France's reserves is incomparably higher than other European countries, which are also facing prolonged heat.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
