** Extreme drought: impact on agriculture in northern Europe **
Since the beginning of 2025, a particularly marked drought has affected northern Europe, raising concerns about its impacts on agriculture. From regions ranging from Scotland to the Netherlands, including the United Kingdom and Denmark, testify to a water deficit that could threaten future crop yields. This leads to questioning the causes of this phenomenon and the possible responses to mitigate its effects.
### An unprecedented drought
Meteorological data indicate that in recent weeks have been the driest that has experienced part of the continent for decades. For example, in the United Kingdom, the spring of 2025 has recorded the lowest precipitation levels for more than 150 years. This situation is particularly worrying for farmers who depend on water for the growth of crops such as wheat, barley or corn. As Nicolas Guilpart, lecturer at Agro Paris Tech explains, “the water deficit limits plant growth”, which causes potentially lower yields.
This drought affects not only the productivity of the fields, but also raises the question of the sustainability of agricultural practices in the face of climate change. The climate has always been an influential variable in agriculture, but recent changes raise questions about how farmers can adapt.
### Adaptation and solutions envisaged
Faced with this situation, many farmers, such as Luke Ablitt in eastern England, feel increasing pressure to adjust their culture methods. Ablitt evokes the need to explore new varieties of crops more resistant to drought and to adapt irrigation methods. According to the NFU agricultural union, some farmers have already started to irrigate earlier than usual, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
However, it is imperative to consider that irrigation itself can present major challenges. As Guilpart points out, Irrigate requires financial resources and adequate infrastructure. This phenomenon could also lead to competition for access to water resources, a sensitive subject in a context where the resource is already rarefied.
### The hydrological context
Beyond the immediate impacts, it should be noted that the situation of water resources differs clearly depending on the region. In France, despite relatively well -filled groundwater, the surface floors are sorely lacking in moisture due to insufficient rain. Drought vigilance is now a reality in several departments of the country, including those in the North.
In other countries like Denmark, precipitation has also been historically low, if not alarming. Ancient forecasts indicate that prolonged periods of drought are rare, but recent events can encourage governments and agricultural players to review their water management strategies.
### Towards a collective awareness
Drought in northern Europe, while being a specific climate event, pushes to reflect on the broader implications of environmental changes. Contexts in the Mediterranean regions, where drought episodes have become more frequent, must be highlighted in this debate. The situation of countries like Spain or Portugal, where excessive rains contrast with the shortage of water elsewhere, raises the question of the management of water resources at the regional and national level.
Farmers and decision -makers must also consider water management policies that promote better distribution of resources, while supporting investments in sustainable infrastructure. This could include, for example, the creation of more effective water tanks or irrigation systems.
### Conclusion
Thus, while the north of Europe crosses this period of exceptional drought, it reminds everyone that an open and constructive dialogue on water resources and agriculture is more necessary. By integrating sustainable and adaptive agricultural practices, it is possible not only to respond to current challenges, but also to prepare a future where farmers can continue to successfully cultivate, whatever the climatic conditions. The key lies in anticipation and collective commitment for a resilient and sustainable future.