Story no.115Ongoing·Economy +3·Notable·Pyrénées-Atlantiques +20·25 Oct → 4 Nov·34 facts · 46 art.

At the end of October 2026, despite the effects of the drought, the tradition of decorating graves with chrysanthemums for All Saints' Day remains widely observed, while early harvests reveal significant losses. Summer heatwaves halved the tarbais bean harvest and caused up to 90% losses in squash near Nantes, while in Franche-Comté, record drought has led to a shortage and speculative surge in fodder prices; some farmers announce they will no longer be able to feed their animals from January 15 onwards and are reducing their herds. At the end of October, INRAE tests alternative fodders in Cantal, the agricultural emergency fund is increased to €2 million in Gard, and an envelope of €1.4 million is allocated to Gers farmers, whose major crops suffer 55% losses and benefit from a property tax relief. In early November, truffle growers in Quercy fear a severely affected harvest, Espelette pepper producers obtain permission from the prefect to irrigate part of their plants, and the minimum size for the 'frite' potato variety designation is lowered from 5 mm due to small calibers. Christmas tree producers in Forez express concern two months before the holidays, and apple harvests have dropped by 50%, threatening cider prices and leading the cider industry to call for a price increase for bottles.