Drought threatens Austrian harvests and could raise food prices

Drought and record heat could cut yields by up to 80 percent in some crops and push up food prices, Lorenz Mayr, vice-president and designated president of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, told ORF.

The damage is already visible in fields across Lower Austria. During an ORF inspection in Großkadolz in the Hollabrunn district, farmer Maximilian Hardegg had harvested a wheat field that produced 40 percent less than usual. He said the soil had dried out completely.

Maize still standing in the fields is also expected to produce below-average yields. Hardegg said the plants were only about chest-high instead of more than two metres tall and had formed very few cobs, pointing to a major crop failure.

Mayr said crops still in the fields, including pumpkins and soybeans, could suffer losses of 70 percent to 80 percent, with some facing complete failure.

According to Agrarmarkt Austria, grain production is well below last year’s level and the five-year average. Water and feed are also in short supply on mountain pastures, forcing farmers to bring animals back to their farms earlier than usual. However, sufficient stockpiles mean supply shortages are not expected.

Food prices will be affected, Mayr said. He pointed to potato yields that could fall to one third of the amount harvested in a normal year. While enough grain is expected to remain available for bread, flour and baked goods, farmers need higher prices to offset increased costs for fertiliser and diesel.

Mayr called farmers the first and main group affected by climate change. He urged short-term support for agricultural businesses and long-term investment in water infrastructure and farming methods adapted to climate conditions.

Dairy farmers have already called for compensation of 300 euros per cow from the disaster fund. Mayr also backed compensation payments or drought support packages, including possible payment deferrals. He said high costs linked to the Iran war, including for fertiliser and diesel, were making the year economically difficult for farms.