France pledges over €1 billion to farmers hit by summer drought

French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard unveiled a relief package worth over €1 billion for farmers hit by summer drought and heatwaves. Between 30,000 and 35,000 farms — nearly 10% of all French farms — are in financial difficulty or at risk of becoming so. Measures include crop-loss compensation, cash-flow support and funds for purchasing seeds and fodder.