France's maize crop rating sinks to lowest in 15 years

France's grain maize crop has deteriorated to its weakest condition in at least 15 years, according to data released on Friday by the country's farm office, FranceAgriMer. The decline resumed last week after a brief pause, underscoring the sustained damage from a prolonged spell of hot and dry summer weather.

As of August 24, only 28% of the grain maize crop in the European Union's largest producer was rated in good or excellent condition. That marks a one-percentage-point drop from the previous week's 29% and represents the lowest score in FranceAgriMer's records, which date back to 2011. For context, the same rating stood at 62% at this time last year.

The latest fall comes after the crop rating had briefly stabilised in the prior week, following nine consecutive weeks of decline. Maize, which is still in its growing season, has been the cereal hardest hit by the severe summer conditions.

The damage is not confined to France. On Thursday, the European Commission trimmed its monthly forecast for usable maize production in the EU for 2026/27 by 1.8 million metric tons, bringing the total to 50.1 million tons — a new 19-year low.

The poor harvest is expected to have knock-on effects beyond the maize market. Commodity analysis firm Argus Media noted that the weak maize crop would likely force a sharp reduction in wheat exports this season, as more wheat will be needed domestically for livestock feed.