France announces €1 billion aid for farmers recovering from drought, heatwaves

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.