THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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September, 2026…
Drought in Europe is hitting agricultural production: the biggest losses are expected in maize
Heatwaves and water shortages affecting the whole of Europe are putting serious pressure on agricultural production, particularly summer crops. Whilst crop yields are falling in the UK, France, Switzerland, southern Germany and northern Italy due to the drought, the biggest losses are expected to be in maize. The European Union (EU) is forecast to see maize production fall to its lowest level since 1995. In France, the maize harvest is predicted to drop to its lowest level since 1977.
Summer crops are vulnerable to water stress…
Whilst all agricultural crops in Europe are affected by the drought, summer crops face a greater risk because their critical growth stages coincide with hot and dry conditions. Water stress experienced particularly during the flowering and grain-filling stages is exacerbating yield losses.
Although losses in wheat and barley production are more limited compared to maize, it is reported that yields for both crops have fallen by approximately 3–4 percent due to the drought. In Italy and the UK, declines in wheat and barley yields have become more pronounced since May.
Yield losses of 6–7 percent are also being observed in sunflower and olive oil production. Whilst production can be maintained to a certain extent in irrigated areas, extreme temperatures – particularly during the flowering stage – are reducing yield potential even in irrigated plots. Water use restrictions are also being imposed in some regions…
