Source: APKinform (Ukraine)
The French Ministry of Agriculture has again lowered its estimate for the country’s soft wheat production in 2024 – from 26.32 million tons expected last month to 25.78 million tons, down 27% from 2023 levels and one of the worst harvests in the last 40 years (since 1986), reports Reuters.
As indicated, the wet weather since last fall in France has delayed sowing, affected plant development and increased the number of plant diseases.
At the same time, the ministry lowered its estimate for this year’s barley production to 10.05 million tons from 10.40 million tons last month, down 18% from last year’s result. Of this, 7 million tons of winter barley (-28% compared to last year) and 3.05 million tons of spring barley (+18%) are expected to be produced.
For maize, which is about to be harvested in the country, the ministry raised its production forecast for 2024 (including seed) to 14.39 million tons, up from 14.01 million tons last month, which is 11% higher than the 2023 harvest.
Rapeseed production for 2024 is set at 3.95 million tons, slightly higher than last month’s estimate of 3.94 million tons and almost 8% lower than last year.