German grain harvest down 7 % to 41.9 million tonnes, Bavaria and Baden‑Württemberg face up to 20 % loss
The 2026 German grain harvest is forecast at 41.9 million tonnes, about 7 % below last year, with Bavaria and Baden‑Württemberg risking up to 20 % losses. Farmers ask the EU to raise fertilizer aid to €180 million and to advance most direct payments to October.
The 2026 German grain harvest is forecast at 41.9 million tonnes, about 7 % less than in 2025.
Harvest outlook
The Deutsche Bauernverband (German Farmers’ Association) gave the figure, confirming a drop of roughly seven percent year‑on‑year.
Regional impact
In Bavaria and Baden‑Württemberg, the drought could cut grain output by up to 20 %.
Farmers' policy demands
Farmers’ president Joachim Rukwied called for three measures:
- Tripling EU fertiliser aid from €60 million to €180 million.
- Advancing 80 % of the EU direct‑payment tranche to October 2026.
- Maintaining current support levels for the sector.
„Das Sterben dieser Betriebe erfolgt still und leise.“ – Joachim Rukwied, audio interview, 19 August 2026.
Implications
The shortfall adds pressure on farm cash‑flow and may prompt the German government to lobby for the higher EU aid package before the EU’s 2026 budget cycle finalises.
| Metric | 2026 value | 2025 value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain harvest | 41.9 million t | ≈45.2 million t | -7 % |
| EU fertiliser aid | €180 million | €60 million | +200 % |
| Direct‑payment advance | 80 % of tranche | Standard schedule | Advance to October 2026 |
