As drought and heat wave intensify, Germany's grain harvest this year may fall by 7%, below historical levels

The German Farmers Association (DBV) warned today that due to a severe drought caused by an excessively dry spring this year and a severe heat wave in the second half of June, the German grain harvest this year is expected to decrease by 7% to 41.9 million metric tons, which is "below average."

Germany, like most parts of Europe, has repeatedly experienced record-breaking high temperatures this summer; at the same time, most places in Germany have experienced scant rainfall.

Joachim Rukwied, president of the German Farmers' Association, pointed out that southern and western Germany have been particularly affected by high temperatures and insufficient rainfall. Local farmers reported "low yields and in some cases no harvest at all."

The German Farmers Association also said that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the Middle East war has led to global shortages of oil and other raw materials, triggering soaring prices for diesel, fertilizers and pesticides, making German farmers face increased costs and a more difficult situation.

The German Farmers Association said that on the one hand, farmers have suffered a sharp drop in harvests, and on the other hand, costs have increased, causing many farms to face huge capital turnover pressure. Rukweid asked the German government to provide farmers with a relief package, such as subsidies or a reduction in fuel taxes.