The condition of French soft wheat crops has sharply declined, reaching an eight-year low, with harvesting lagging significantly behind the usual pace, according to data from FranceAgriMer. As of July 15, only 52% of soft wheat was rated in good or excellent condition, down from 57% the previous week and 80% a year ago.
This rating is lower than the same period in 2020, another year marked by heavy rainfall, and represents the weakest condition since 2016, when France experienced its smallest wheat crop since the 1980s. Persistent heavy rain and below-average sunshine have disrupted both planting and crop development in the European Union’s largest grain producer.
Recent showers and overcast conditions have kept many fields soggy, though a forecasted hot spell this week is expected to aid crop ripening and speed up harvesting. As of Monday, 14% of the soft wheat area had been harvested, a notable increase from 4% the previous week. In contrast, 51% of the area had been harvested at this time last year, while the five-year average stands at 43%.