Europe does have significant challenges ahead

This summer 2023 continues to break weather records due to persistent lack of rainfall. The intensifying drought is causing concerns for food companies as they actively seek solutions to prevent crop reduction and price increases.

Farmers and food entrepreneurs are distressed as they observe field vegetables drying up, while one weather record after another continues to be broken (refer to charts)."Spring spinach yield has decreased by 20 percent". 

"We've already seen more than a 10 percent loss in peas, even as the harvest continues. The losses for summer cauliflower and onions exceed 15 percent." Sowing parsnip and carrot has become challenging due to the seeds' struggle to root.

For seven years, farmers throughout Europe have observed the continent's increasing aridity. "Compared to previous years, we require 20 percent more land to produce the same quantity of food," 

This declining supply is driving up vegetable prices. Vegetable processors, and ultimately consumers, are affected by the ongoing drought. 

For years, companies and scientists have been exploring solutions to this problem. They see significant potential in developing drought-resistant crops. This is achieved by crossbreeding different varieties of a single crop to produce a plant with the desired characteristics. By 2030, we could potentially cultivate drought-tolerant crops on a large scale. This would alleviate the issue of drought in agriculture but not entirely resolve it. He points out that no crop can endure temperatures of 40 degrees for weeks on end.

In addition to crossbreeding, other strategies are being explored. Researchers are working on alternative adaptations for over a decade. One such investigation involves determining how to capture more rainwater for use during dry periods." Currently, 30% of rainwater is instantly channeled away via drains, pipes, and ditches. Farmers and municipalities are progressively establishing water basins; however, the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research  advocates for more structural solutions. These include creating additional space for water by enabling rivers to meander more and establishing flood areas in less populated regions.