France announces €1 billion aid for farmers after climate-hit summer
France has recorded its hottest summer on record this year as the country battled heatwaves, drought and massive wildfires. The extreme weather has continued into September, with France's national weather service placing five departments on orange alert for several days. Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in some areas. France's agriculture minister also announced a plan to unlock over 1…
France announced a €1.16 billion aid package for farmers on Friday, following record heatwaves and drought that caused significant damage to crops, pastures, and water supplies. The government is working on a challenging budget for the next year, aiming to keep the deficit under control ahead of a 2027 presidential election. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard highlighted the magnitude of the effort, stating that one billion euros represents a substantial commitment given the current budgetary situation.
Half of the package, €520 million, will be used for rapid payments to farmers affected by weather damage. The aid plan includes a local recovery fund to help farms purchase seeds, plant and animal feed following droughts that have parched farmland. Additional measures include land-tax relief, assistance with social-security payments, and fuel subsidies.
The French farmers' union, FNSEA, estimates that agricultural production losses this summer will exceed €10 billion, with more than €5 billion already attributed to both livestock and crop sectors. Another heatwave is anticipated this week in the European Union's largest farm producer, France.
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- France to give more than €1 billion of aid for weather-hit farmers freemalaysiatoday.com
- France announces €1 billion aid for farmers recovering from drought, heatwaves france24.com
