The EU Has Cut Harvest Predictions for Sunflowers by 7%, Grain Maize by 6%, and Potatoes and Soya Beans by 3%.

European farmers are warning of a slump in food production and rising prices as extreme heat, drought and wildfires damage crops from maize to salads. Olive groves have been hit as the climate crisis drives temperatures to record highs, meaning the cost of olive oil, already elevated, is expected to rise again. Légumes de France warned that thousands of tonnes of products worth tens of millions of euros had been lost, including salad leaves, carrots, leeks, garlic and onion, with production on certain crops expected to halve.

French weather has also held back grape growth in Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy, threatening a smaller crop and one of the earliest harvests on record. In Champagne, picking is likely to start around 15 August, about a month earlier than typical, with yields expected to be about 10% smaller than last year. Spain's agriculture ministry predicts the 2026-27 cereal crop will fall from 24m tonnes to little more than 18.5m tonnes, a forecast made before wildfires took their toll.

The EU has cut harvest predictions for sunflowers by 7%, grain maize by 6%, and potatoes and soya beans by 3%. Romania has seen more rainfall and Italy's wheat crop has proved resilient. The ASAJA trade body said direct fire damage hit orchards, vineyards, agricultural land and greenhouses, affecting citrus fruits, avocados, almonds, vegetables and olive groves, while water stress and extreme temperatures hit tomatoes and maize.

A spokesperson said the main concern was higher production costs rather than trade restrictions. Olive oil producers expect another surge in prices as growers struggle with heat, drought and fires. Groves have burned in Greece, Italy and Portugal, and nearby trees have suffered from ash and poor air quality.

Extreme weather has increased pests, disease and storms, and affected fruit size. Prices for a one-litre bottle of extra virgin oil in UK stores remain above £7 on average and have begun rising again. Sarah Vachon of Citizens of Soil said: "Unless the weather is under control soon, we should expect pricing to rise in the autumn since there will be less edible fruit to make olive oil from.

Walter Zanre of Filippo Berio said Spanish trees were suffering from drought, which can prompt them to shed their crop. "The combination of drought-induced fruit loss and an earlier harvest will be closely monitored over the coming weeks, as both factors have the potential to materially influence olive oil production volumes and market prices for [next year], he said. The UK harvest has also been hit by droughts, with wholesalers turning to Spain for iceberg lettuce and broccoli while British farmers warn of shortages.