CIVIC LANE French farmers report severe losses after an exceptional summer of heat and drought. Farm organisations estimate total damage could exceed €10 billion and are pressing the government for substantial assistance. Agricultural losses can later translate into higher food prices, farm closures and declining rural employment. Supporters of emergency aid say extreme weather is a systemic national problem, while critics argue businesses normally carry their own commercial risks. The dispute raises the question of how much climate-related agricultural risk taxpayers should absorb.