Europe's Food Production Slumps Amid Extreme Heat and Wildfires

Farmers across Europe are bracing for a slump in food production and rising prices due to extreme heat, drought, and wildfires. The climate crisis is driving temperatures to record highs, affecting crops from maize to salads.

Olive groves have also been hit, leading to an expected surge in olive oil prices. Already elevated at £7 or more per litre for extra virgin oil, prices are expected to rise further this autumn due to reduced edible fruit yields.

The European Union has cut harvest predictions for various crops, including sunflowers down 7%, grain maize down 6%, and potatoes and soya beans trimmed by 3%. Romania's wheat crop is an exception, with a 10% increase forecasted.