French maize harvest forecast slashed to lowest since 1970s
French grain maize production may fall to 7-8 million tonnes, the lowest in decades, as heat and drought take a heavy toll.
France's grain maize harvest is expected to shrink dramatically this year, with production potentially falling to between 7 million and 8 million metric tonnes — a level not seen since the 1970s. The grim outlook comes as intense summer heat and prolonged drought take a heavy toll on crops across the country.
The revised estimate, issued by growers' group AGPM, marks a sharp downgrade from its previous projection of 9.5 million tonnes made at the end of June. The reduction reflects not only poor crop development but also an expected loss of harvested area, as some farmers are opting to cut maize early for use as on-farm fodder rather than leaving it to mature for grain.
AGPM Chairman Franck Laborde said the deteriorating conditions have left growers with little choice, with many fields too badly stressed to justify waiting for a grain harvest. The decision to divert crops to animal feed is a practical response to the worsening situation.
The forecast underscores the severity of this summer's weather, which has parched soils and stressed crops across key growing regions. If realised, the harvest would mark one of the weakest French maize crops in nearly five decades, with implications for domestic supply and feed markets.