The French government has announced an aid plan to support farmers severely affected by heat waves and drought. A national ‘Drought’ unit has been created within the Ministry of Agriculture to monitor the situation daily, coordinate the actions of government services and support local areas. A comprehensive support plan for 'Heatwave – Drought – Fires' (CASI) is being prepared, based in particular on information gathered from the drought response units within the prefectures. ADVERTISEMENTCrisis StatusAuthorities in the 98 departments affected by drought, including 57 in crisis status, will assess local needs and coordinate support. The minister also asked each prefect to appoint a drought liaison officer and to establish a departmental drought task force.