France Expands Support Measures for Farmers Amid Heatwave and Drought

The French government has announced additional support measures for farmers as prolonged heatwaves, drought and wildfires continue to put increasing pressure on the country's agricultural sector. Worsening drought conditions are affecting both crop production and livestock farming, prompting authorities to strengthen crisis management and financial assistance.

According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, drought conditions have now affected 98 administrative departments, with 57 of them under the highest level of water-use restrictions. Dry conditions are reducing crop performance, while deteriorating pastures are creating forage shortages for livestock producers. The ministry also noted that the combined impact is placing significant pressure on farm cash flow across the country.

National Coordination Mechanism Activated

To improve crisis management, the Ministry has activated a national drought coordination unit responsible for monitoring conditions on a daily basis, coordinating government services and supporting regional authorities throughout the ongoing climate event.

In addition, each prefect has been instructed to appoint a dedicated drought coordinator and establish a departmental drought task force. These local groups will bring together agricultural organizations, chambers of agriculture, financial institutions, social service agencies, agricultural social security representatives and government officials to assess local conditions and develop responses tailored to regional needs.

Comprehensive Support Package Under Preparation

The government is preparing a comprehensive "Heatwave–Drought–Fire" support package based on assessments from the regional drought task forces. The proposed measures are expected to include emergency financial assistance to improve farm liquidity, relief on social security contributions, administrative simplification and regulatory flexibility, as well as measures designed to help the most severely affected farms resume production.

Authorities also indicated that existing regulatory flexibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to adapt water management measures while remaining consistent with France's drought guidelines and the 2023 interministerial framework. The objective is to balance water resource conservation with the continuity of agricultural production.

France Seeks CAP Flexibility from the European Commission

The French government has also requested greater flexibility from the European Commission under the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Officials have asked the Commission to apply the provisions for exceptional circumstances so that farmers are not penalized when severe drought makes compliance with certain CAP requirements impossible.

The request specifically concerns obligations related to minimum soil cover and crop rotation in cases where sowing could not take place or cover crops failed to establish because of adverse weather conditions.

French authorities argue that farmers affected by extreme climate events should not face both production losses and administrative penalties, emphasizing that the support measures currently being developed are intended to address the practical challenges facing producers while helping maintain agricultural activity.