Hauts-de-France Agriculture Faces Climate Challenges Amid Rising Trade Deficits

The agricultural sector in Hauts-de-France, a key region for France's agri-food exports, is grappling with significant impacts from climate change and increasing economic pressures. In 2024, the region’s agricultural trade deficit surged to nearly one billion euros, a 74% rise compared to 2023, signaling a sharp decline in competitiveness that dates back to trends observed since 2018.

Laurent Degenne, president of the Chamber of Agriculture for Hauts-de-France, emphasized the region's importance, noting it accounts for 17% of France's external trade in agricultural and agri-food products, making it the nation’s leading exporter. However, Degenne expressed concerns over the growing trade imbalance, likening current figures to those of 1978. He attributes this decline to increasing regulations and costs faced by local farmers, while European markets continue to import products with fewer constraints.

To address these challenges, the Chamber of Agriculture is prioritizing boosting competitiveness and sustainability through innovation and climate adaptation. A key focus is reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and improving water management practices—a critical concern as healthy soil supports water infiltration and retention, vital under changing climatic conditions. The Chamber is advancing projects on soil quality and water reuse to mitigate these issues.

Government support is unfolding through the France Service Agriculture initiative, designed to bolster farmers’ resilience and promote agricultural sovereignty in the face of climate pressures. This program aims to support farmers with resources and guidance necessary for adaptation.

While the global context shows a sharp increase in extreme weather events linked to climate change—with a recent report highlighting that 22 out of 28 studied events in 2025 were exacerbated by warming—Hauts-de-France is actively working to adapt to these emerging realities. The region’s proactive stance reflects the urgency posed by both economic and environmental changes, underlining the need for sustainable agricultural transformation.