France's wheat production potential is falling, corn is rising

The French Ministry of Agriculture has revised down its 2024 production estimates for both soft wheat and barley due to wet weather conditions that have delayed sowing, damaged plant development, and increased plant diseases. Soft wheat production is now projected at 25.78 million tonnes, a 27% decrease from 2023 and one of the worst harvests in 40 years. Barley production is expected to be 10.05 million tonnes, an 18% drop from the previous year. Despite the challenges, the ministry has slightly increased its 2024 corn production forecast to 14.39 million tonnes, a 11% increase from 2023. Rapeseed production is estimated to be 3.95 million tonnes, a decrease of almost 8% from the previous year.

The French Ministry of Agriculture has again reduced its estimate for soft wheat production in the country in 2024 - from the 26.32 million tonnes expected last month to 25.78 million tonnes, which is 27% below the 2023 level and one of the worst harvests in the last 40 years (since 1986), Reuters reports. As specified, the wet weather since last autumn in France has delayed sowing, damaged plant development and increased the number of plant diseases. At the same time, the ministry has reduced its estimate for barley production this year to 10.05 million tonnes against 10.40 million tonnes estimated last month, which is 18% below the result of last year. Of this, winter barley production is expected to be 7 million tonnes (-28% per year), and spring barley - 3.05 million tonnes (+18%). As for corn, which is about to be harvested in the country, the ministry raised its ...