Lavender thrives as Europe's climate warms — dubbed the 'purple gold'

Europe's grain harvests are under pressure — the European Commission cut its EU crop forecast to 262.78 million tonnes, with maize expected to fall by more than 13%. Lavender, however, thrives in heat and drought and is gaining ground as the continent warms. Known as "purple gold," the plant owes its nickname to the high value of lavender essential oil.