Germany harvest drops as drought raises food price fears

The German Farmers Association has forecasted a below-average harvest this year due to an ongoing drought affecting large swathes of farmland. DBV President Joachim Rukwied cited an overly dry spring and a heat wave in late June, which significantly damaged crops. The country's grain production is expected to drop by 7% from last year, amounting to 41.9 million tons.

Rapeseed suffered the most significant loss, with 3.3 million tons harvested, nearly 17% lower than 2025. Barley yields remained stable despite reduced output, while more land was devoted to growing the crop. Potato and sugar beet crops also fell short of expectations, with some regions expecting a notably poorer harvest. Location proved a more crucial factor in determining crop yields this year than usual, with severe droughts and record-breaking temperatures exacerbating the impact.

Germany's Federal Statistical Office predicted an 18% decline in apple production compared to last year. Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer downplayed immediate price hikes, but Philipp Spinne, representing 1,600 agricultural cooperatives, warned that members had already suffered €600 million in field losses. The surplus from last year's harvest may prevent an immediate rise in bread prices, but the sharp decline in rapeseed and sugar beet production could strain domestic oil and sugar supplies, necessitating imports.

The drought also caused a drastic fall in animal feed stocks in several southern German states, potentially leading to higher meat, milk, and egg prices. For some local produce, tighter supply could result in higher prices for potatoes and vegetables. Farming challenges have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic, with food prices in Germany rising by over 36% since 2020.

The German Farmers Association called for an immediate package of support from Berlin, including increased EU fertilizer aid and reduced agricultural diesel tax.