France Raises Wheat Crop Estimate, Sees Fall In Maize Output

In a significant update from France’s agricultural sector, the nation’s farm ministry has revised its predictions for the year’s soft wheat harvest, signaling a strong recovery from the previous year. However, there’s a contrasting outlook for maize production, largely influenced by adverse weather conditions.

This year, production of soft wheat in France, the country’s primary cereal crop, is now expected to reach 33.1 million metric tonnes. This marks an increase from the earlier projection last month of 32.6 million tonnes. The anticipated output stands at 29% higher than the previous year’s rain-drenched yield, which was notably the lowest since the 1980s, and 4% above the typical production levels observed over the last five years.

As the wheat harvest nears completion, the yields have been promising, even considering challenges posed by periods of heat and drought. The ministry’s latest estimates have also adjusted the expected outputs for other crops, raising barley forecasts to 12 million tonnes, up from a previous estimate of 11.8 million tonnes, and increasing the rapeseed projection from 4.2 million tonnes to 4.5 million tonnes. Both these forecasts similarly surpass last year’s figures and the averages of the past five years.

Conversely, the ministry’s initial prediction for this year’s maize crop, including those grown for seeds, indicates a decline. The output is expected to decrease by 5.6% compared to last year, coming in at 13.9 million tonnes. Reports suggest that the overall maize yield will experience a reduction, which is anticipated to overshadow any gains from increased planting efforts due to inconsistent field conditions brought about by drought and elevated temperatures.

The current situation has drawn significant attention from traders, especially with the latest forecasts of a heatwave in southern France. This heatwave is expected to push temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days, potentially further impacting the maize crops.

As the agricultural season progresses, stakeholders are closely observing how these weather patterns will continue to affect crop outcomes across the country. While the recovery in wheat production is seen as a positive development, the challenges in maize output highlight the ongoing struggle to adapt to changing climatic conditions in the farming sector.