The monitoring period covers winter wheat sowing and early growth as well as the harvest of spring wheat and maize.

CropWatch agro-climatic indicators show that the temperature was 0.8°C higher as compared to the long-term average. RAIN was 39% above average, while sunshine (RADPAR) was 10% below. Due to unfavorable sunshine conditions, the biomass production potential (BIOMSS) is estimated to have decreased by 9% nationwide compared to the 15-year average.

The national-scale NDVI development graph shows that the NDVI values were higher than in the 2018-2019 season and the crop conditions were close to the 5-year average.  The spatial patterns of NDVI departures compared to the five-year average indicate above-average NDVI values on 54.5% of the arable lands. This spatial pattern is also partly reflected with the spatial distribution of maximum VCI (VCIx) across the country, which reached an average of 0.95. Generally, the outlook for winter crops is above average.

Regional analysis

Taking into account cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, additional sub-national details are provided for eight agro-ecological zones. They are identified on the maps by the following numbers: (78) Northern barley region, (82) Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, (79) Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel, (80) Rapeseed zone of eastern France, (75) Massif Central dry zone, (81) Southwestern maize zone, (76) Eastern Alpes region, and (77) the Mediterranean zone.

In the Northern barley region, both RAIN (+25%) and TEMP (+0.6 °C) were above the long-term average, while RADPAR (-7%) was below. Higher than normal rainfalls decreased sunshine that in turn reduced BIOMSS (-10%). The NDVI profile was similar to the previous season’s levels, but below the five-year average.

In the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, environmental conditions were favorable as the VCIx reached 0.92. Compared to the 15-year average, a significant drop in BIOMSS (-12%) was estimated. RAIN and TEMP were increased by 40% and 0.8 °C, respectively, whereas RADPAR dropped by 14%.

In the Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel, substantial variability was observed in the region’s NDVI profile. It was generally below average for this period and indicated a similar crop growth level as in last year. RAIN in the region increased by 33% while the RADPAR decreased by 8%. A relative high VCIx (0.96) but a drop in BIOMSS (-11%) indicated slightly below-average crop conditions.

In the Rapeseed zone of eastern France, below-average to average crop conditions were observed in Oct and Nov 2019 evidenced by the NDVI profile. From Dec 2019 and onward the profile was showing an above average trend indicating   favorable conditions. Overall, RAIN and TEMP were increased by 23% and 1.1°C, while RADPAR dropped by 12%. BIOMSS dropped by 12% as well when compared to the five-year average.

In the Massif Central dry zone, the VCIx was recorded at a relative high level (0.98) and the NDVI profile was showing an average to above average level, indicating normal or above normal crop conditions. The RAIN and TEMP in the region increased by 37% and 1.1°C, while RADPAR decreased by 14%. BIOMSS decreased by 14% as well when compared to the five-year average.

In the southwestern maize zone, RAIN (+49%) and TEMP (+0.9 °C) were also higher, whereas RADPAR (-11%) and BIOMSS (-12%) were lower. The NDVI profile was below the previous season level but close to the five-year average, indicating a close to average crop condition for the region.

In the Eastern Alpes region, the NDVI profile showed close to average crop conditions since the end of Dec, 2019. Before that, the NDVI profile was below the average level.  The region showed the largest increase in RAIN (+56%) and a 1.0°C rise in TEMP. It also showed a relative low decrease in RADPAR (-8%) and BIOMSS (-4%). Such environmental condition tends to favor crop growth, which also indicated with the relative high VCIx (0.95).

The Mediterranean zone is the only region showing an increased BIOMSS (2%). The NDVI profile also confirms slightly above average crop conditions. RAIN in the region increased by 55%, and also the TEMP increased by 0.7 °C. It is also the region that showed the lowest drop in RADPAR (-5%).

Figure 3.13 a.France phenology of major crops

Figure 3.13 b.France national level crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the October 2019-January 2020 period to the previous season and the five-year average(5YA) and maximum

Figure 3.13 c.France maximum VCI for October 2019-January 2020 by pixel

Figure 3.13 d.France spatial NDVI patterns up to January 2020 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right).

Figure 3.13 f. Northern barley region (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 g. Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 h. Maize barley and livestock zone along the English Channel crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 i. Rapeseed zone of eastern 

Figure 3.13 j. Dry Massif Central zone (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 k. Southwestern maize zone (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 l. Eastern Alpes region (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 m. the Mediterranean zone (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Table3.14. France agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2019-January 2020

Table 3.15. France agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's value and departure from 5YA, October 2019-January 2020