Too hot and dry: French snail farmers fear for harvest due to heat
In Germany they rarely make it onto the plate, but in France they are considered a delicacy. But the heat has also caused problems for the snails. Are shortages of the festive dish threatening?
French snail farmers are bracing for a poor harvest due to the country's prolonged heatwaves and drought. The snails, typically harvested in September, usually thrive in cool and humid conditions, but this year's weather has been particularly challenging. Many snails have been found dead and dehydrated, while others have been preyed upon by birds and rodents.
The full extent of the damage is not yet clear, but farmers are already feeling the effects, with one describing it as "heartbreaking" to see the snails die. France's domestic snail farming industry produces only a small fraction of the country's snail supply, with 95% imported from Eastern Europe.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
