More expensive, worse? The unexpected consequences of rain on fruit and vegetable prices

The bad weather which is hitting France has catastrophic consequences for the victims, but also for the farmers. Indeed, storms, depressions and other episodes of rain have caused numerous floods and have had a major impact on harvests, but also on plantings. Result: the prices of fruits and vegetables will increase prices for consumers. Maud Descamps’ explanations in Bonjour! La Matinale TF1.

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Harvest and sowing in danger

For a year now, French farmers have been struggling with excess water in France. After the successive storms which hit France, certain fruits and vegetables risk seeing their volume reduced on market stalls and in supermarket aisles. This is the case with apples. Last year, at the same time, 50% of the apples had been harvested. This year, only 10% of apples have been, which means a delay in delivery to supermarkets, but also delays in the manufacturing of apple products. Same thing for the corn ravaged in particular by Storm Kirk. Most of the plants have been laid down, making collection more complicated. Another consequence? Planting seeds is also behind schedule. In fact, currently, only 5% of sowings have been carried out, compared to 50% last year for the same period.

Soaring prices?

If fruits and vegetables are likely to cost more for consumers, it is mainly because farmers will have to incur more costs. Thus, for corn, additional labor is required to collect it. It is necessary to dry it, but sending hot air costs energy. It’s not just fruits and vegetables that are affected by bad weather. With pastures soggy, farmers are forced to keep animals indoors and feed them more rather than letting them graze, which is an added cost.

For the moment, it is impossible to know exactly what increase to expect. From experience, climatic disasters increase the prices of fruit and vegetables by around 15 to 20 cents per kilo. However, we will have to wait for the negotiations between producers, manufacturers and mass retailers which will take place at the beginning of next year. According to the FNSEA, the leading agricultural union in France, the discussions are likely to be particularly tense and farmers have a lot to lose. Another big loser in history? Consumers who will end up with products that are more expensive, less flavorful, smaller in size and which last much shorter.