Sugar beet farmers in the Netherlands are facing a serious drop in yields due to ongoing drought and high temperatures, says Evelien Drenth, arable farming specialist at LTO Nederland. In areas where groundwater levels have fallen sharply, sugar beet growth has nearly stopped. Drenth explains that although sugar beets have deep roots and can tolerate heat, prolonged drought pushes them past their limit.
Greater struggle
Drenth notes that other crops, such as maize, are struggling even more. LTO recently warned that drought conditions are becoming critical for farmers across several regions. In many places, irrigation is difficult or impossible. Despite the challenges, there are no signs of empty supermarket shelves at this stage.
European situation
The situation is similar in other European countries. In Germany, sugar beet fields are suffering from drought, heat, and disease, leading to an expected one‑third decline in sugar production in the south. If confirmed, it would be the lowest yield since reunification in 1990. Growers warn this could also affect consumer prices. France, Europe’s largest sugar beet producer, is reporting poor harvests as extreme heat and persistent drought weaken plant resistance, allowing diseases to spread more quickly.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
