European crops mature early due to heat
Europe experienced recurrent heatwaves in 2026, beginning in late May, which accelerated crop ripening in an unusual way, leading to harvest dates arriving one to three weeks earlier than usual. The intense heat and severe drought caused significant reductions in key crops such as corn and wheat, with data showing some crops reaching maturity more than 20 days ahead of their typical schedule. This resulted in a substantial decline in production, with forecasts indicating a contraction of up to 35% compared to the previous year and the lowest levels since 1976. Additionally, the record high temperatures recorded this year, the highest since 1950, have profoundly impacted agricultural activity and led to rising food prices, particularly for sugar, which has reached its highest levels in over a year.
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