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Prolonged drought threatens French production, pressures beet crops, and reinforces the forecast of a 15% drop in the European Union’s sugar harvest.
A prolonged drought threatens sugar production in France, the largest producer of the product in the European Union, and increases concerns about continental supply.
The main sugar beet producing regions are not expected to receive significant rainfall over the next two weeks.
Producers interviewed by Reuters on July 1, 2026 stated that the lack of water is already compromising part of the French plantations.
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Uncertainties about European crops also contributed to a significant appreciation of white sugar in the international market.
The price of the product rose by almost 10% in one week and reached, on Wednesday, the highest level in nine and a half months.
Prices had previously hit the lowest level in more than five years, due to abundant supply and reduced profits for mills.
Lack of rain threatens French crops
Water plays an essential role in the development of sugar beet, especially during the critical stages of plant growth.
Franck Sander, president of the General Confederation of Beet Producers of France, the CGB, stated that the situation requires immediate attention.
According to Sander, the absence of rain over the next two weeks could cause catastrophic consequences for French production.
Météo-France does not forecast precipitation in the producing plains near Paris and in the north of the country until at least July 14, 2026.
Conditions still vary between properties.
Some plantations already show dry leaves, while other crops remain in conditions considered better by producers.
Europe also faced a record heatwave for more than a week.
The phenomenon caused excess deaths, altered daily activities, and increased risks for different agricultural crops.
Temperatures may rise again in countries like France and Germany, increasing pressure on crops.
European Union sugar production may fall by 15%
The European Commission released, on June 26, 2026, a new projection for sugar production during the 2026/27 harvest.
The bloc is expected to produce 14.13 million metric tons, a volume 15% lower than recorded in the 2025/26 season.
The decline is mainly linked to a 9% reduction in planted area and a 6.5% decrease in productivity.
France is expected to record the largest yield loss among the major European producers.
Germany and Poland also appear in the projections with an expected reduction in productivity.
Independent sugar industry consultant Michael McDougall stated that the French drought remains quite severe.
Low rainfall volumes are expected to affect the far west of Europe for ten days or possibly for two weeks.
Aphids increase concern for the crop
French farmers are also monitoring the spread of yellowing disease in beet crops.
The problem intensified after severe aphid infestations recorded at the beginning of the season.
These insects usually infect plants during the spring, while symptoms appear mainly in the summer.
The virus caused severe damage in 2020, after the European Union banned certain neonicotinoid pesticides used to protect crops.
The restriction was adopted because these products could harm bees.
France granted temporary authorizations for the use of these pesticides during 2021 and 2022.
The exemptions were later revoked by the French Council of State, following a decision by the European Union Court of Justice.
French Parliament discusses new authorization
The French Parliament is currently debating a new exemption within a more comprehensive agricultural bill.
The Minister of Agriculture stated that she does not oppose the proposal.
The government representative considers it more appropriate, however, to analyze the measure separately, reducing the risk of rejection of the entire project.
A final decision is expected by July 2026.
A possible authorization would come too late to modify the current French crop.
The combination of drought, heat, aphids, and reduction in cultivated area keeps European sugar production under strong pressure.
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