Agricultural leaders across Germany, France and Austria are pressing governments for rapid financial relief and climate-adaptation tools, as drought damage mounts beyond earlier estimates. The German Farmers' Association, warning of persistent heat waves and below-average harvests, demanded faster political intervention and a top-up of an EU fertiliser-supply programme with national funds. Secretary General Stefanie Sabet called for breeding innovations, improved water management and stronger risk-management frameworks to help farms adapt.
In Austria, Austrian Hail Insurance chief Kurt Weinberger described conditions as a "historic drought catastrophe," with total agricultural losses reaching €1 billion — doubling the €2 billion accumulated over the prior decade. Western Europe endured its hottest June and July since records began.
In France, FNSEA president Arnaud Rousseau cited "billions of euros" in damage and likened the drought to 1976, after the government unveiled emergency aid, social-charge relief and administrative simplifications. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has invited Rousseau to talks in early September.