In Guérande, the drought of 2026 benefits salt workers

In Guérande more than elsewhere, the misfortune of one person makes the happiness of others. The crushing heat of repeated heatwaves in the summer of 2026, combined with the historic drought, devastated many agricultural sectors in mainland France. Corn harvests have been ravaged, market gardens have suffered heavy losses, and certain fruit crops have also been hit hard. The salt workers of Loire-Atlantique, on the other hand, display a broad smile. Never has the salt harvest been so remarkable.

“As we have had virtually no rain between June and now, our production has been continuous throughout the summer. We should find ourselves in September with a very large harvest volume - and a season at least as good as in 2022,” rejoices independent salt worker François Guihard, at the head of a farm of 57 carnations (basins). “We are doing two seasons in one - even though this one is not yet finished. Yet…