{"id":2533,"date":"2026-08-13T07:10:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T07:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2533"},"modified":"2026-08-13T07:10:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T07:10:28","slug":"a-punishing-european-drought-shrivels-crops-from-dutch-potatoes-to-bosnian-corn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=2533","title":{"rendered":"A punishing European drought shrivels crops from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn"},"content":{"rendered":"
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WOLPHAARTSDIJK, Netherlands (AP) \u2014 A cloud of dust billows behind Maarten Janse\u2019s tractor as he spreads a mixture of compost, straw and manure over a field to nourish the parched soil.<\/p>\n

Read more Nigel Farage faces off against Count Binface in special election that\u2019s been denounced as a stunt<\/a><\/p>\n

Janse\u2019s farm on the fertile land of the Netherlands\u2019 southwestern Zeeland Province is drying out despite his efforts to make it more drought resistant as accelerated human-caused global warming<\/span> and a supersized El Nino<\/span> batter fields across Europe.<\/p>\n

The drought that is roasting much of Europe this summer is taking a heavy toll on crops across the continent, from potatoes in the Netherlands to corn in Bosnia and grapes in Italy<\/span>. Even when farmers try to adapt, the extreme weather is hitting their crops and water supplies. <\/p>\n

Triodos, a Dutch bank that has a focus on sustainability, published an analysis this week that estimated the heatwaves and drought could reduce gross domestic product across the European Union by 1% for 2026 or around 180 billion euros ($208 billion). Farmers are among the hardest hit, with their crops set to be badly affected by soaring temperatures and lack of water. In large parts of the Netherlands, farmers are no longer allowed to use water from streams and drainage channels to irrigate fields and orchards.<\/p>\n

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Just add water? Dutch crops suffer from the drought<\/h2>\n

Another farmer in Zeeland, Hendrik Jan ten Cate, looks at a field full of withered potato plants that are almost all ready for harvest \u2014 a month early and with a significantly reduced crop. His potatoes are used to make French fries for companies including McDonald\u2019s, but they\u2019re likely going to be too small this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople want long fries,\u201d he says as he holds one of the potatoes. \u201cThat\u2019s going to be tough this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Ten Cate is one of the lucky farmers because he is allowed to irrigate his crops. But, even so, he estimates his harvest this year will be down by about one-third compared to average years.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just the drought that is the problem,\u201d he says. \u201cIt is also the sun, the dry air and especially the hot days we have had this year. The potatoes just can\u2019t handle that combination very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Bosnian agriculture, a key driver of the economy, is suffering<\/h2>\n

In Bosnia, where agriculture contributes roughly 5% of annual GDP and 10% of all employment, grain farmer Slavisa Lukic stood in one of his corn fields as stalks blew limply in the breeze. His crops have been hit by repeated heat waves and drought conditions. He said this year\u2019s corn yield would be very poor, if he manages to harvest one at all.<\/p>\n

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