German grain harvest forecast to fall 7% to 41.9m tonnes
Germany’s grain harvest is forecast to fall 7% to 41.9m tonnes in 2026, with Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg facing losses of up to 20%. The German Farmers’ Association demands €180m in EU fertiliser aid and early direct payments.
The German grain harvest is forecast to fall 7% year on year to 41.9 million tonnes in 2026, after drought and heat in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg cut regional yields by up to 20%.
The Deutsche Bauernverband (German Farmers' Association) published the estimate on 19 August. It says the drop reflects persistent dryness through the summer.
Regional losses
Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are the hardest-hit regions. Grain losses there could reach 20% compared with last year, the association states.
Policy demands
Farmers' president Joachim Rukwied has asked Berlin to triple EU fertiliser aid from €60 million to €180 million, a 200% increase. He also wants 80% of EU direct payments advanced to October.
Rukwied warns that the harvest shortfall has left many farms facing a liquidity crisis.
| Item | Figure | Period / base |
|---|---|---|
| National grain harvest (forecast) | 41.9m tonnes | 2026, down 7% YoY |
| Regional grain losses (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) | Up to 20% | 2026 |
| EU fertiliser aid (current) | €60m | 2026 |
| EU fertiliser aid (demanded) | €180m | 2026 |
| Direct payment advance | 80% | October 2026 payout |
Timing
The demands coincide with the final stages of the EU's 2026 budget cycle and Germany's national aid package negotiations. Rukwied has warned that many farms face a liquidity crisis because of the shortfall.
