A punishing European drought shrivels crops from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn

A severe European drought is causing significant crop losses, from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn. The prolonged heatwave and dry conditions are taking a heavy toll on agriculture across the continent. In the Netherlands, farmers are prohibited from using water from streams to irrigate their fields due to the drought, resulting in reduced crop yields and smaller potatoes.

Hendrik Jan ten Cate, a Zeeland farmer, estimates his harvest this year will be down by about one-third compared to average years. In Bosnia, agriculture is a key driver of the economy, contributing 5% of annual GDP and 10% of all employment. However, the drought has severely impacted corn yields, with Slavisa Lukic expecting a very poor harvest this year.

The drought is also affecting the Czech Republic's beer industry, as Plzeňský Prazdroj expects losses due to a stunted hops yield. In Romania, while some heat and drought-resistant crops like sunflowers have been less affected, the drought is still causing record-low water levels on the Danube River, disrupting grain transport and causing congestion at terminals.

Cattle grazing plains in Hungary are turning to dust, with farmers having to buy expensive feed for their livestock.