This monitoring period covers winter wheat, as well as the sowing of spring wheat and maize in France. CropWatch agro-climatic indicators show that the temperature was above average (TEMP,+1.8°C). RAIN was very close to the average and sunshine was above average (RADPAR +3%). Due to suitable temperature, rainfall and high sunshine conditions, the biomass accumulation potential BIOMSS was 7% above average compared with the past fifteen-year average.

As shown in the national crop condition development graph and the NDVI profiles, NDVI values in France were close to or above average before mid-March, and then below average until late April. The spatial patterns of NDVI departures indicate above-average NDVI values in 30.1% of the arable land during the entire monitoring period. This is also partly reflected by the spatial distribution of maximum VCI (VCIx) across the country, which reached an average of 0.9. Overall, at this mid stage of winter wheat, the outlook is favorable.

Regional analyses

Considering 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, RAIN (+14%) , TEMP (+1.8°C) and RADPAR (+8%) were all above average. The BIOMSS also increased by 16% when compared to the past fifteen-year average. However, the NDVI profile for this region was below the past five-year average.

In the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, a warmer (TEMP 2°C above average) and wetter (RAIN 10% above average) season was observed, with overall average-level RADPAR. For the crops, BIOMSS was 11% higher than average and CALF was at average levels.  The regional NDVI profile presented an overall close-to-average trend, except for a drop in mid-April, which might have been due to an anomaly. 

In the Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel, NDVI fluctuated somewhat, but tended to stay slightly below average. RAIN, TEMP and RADPAR were increased by 21%, 1.7°C and 1% respectively, when compared to average levels. The BIOMSS increased by 10%. CALF was average and VCIx was recorded relatively low at 0.9, indicating slightly below-average crop conditions.

In the Rapeseed zone of eastern France, the NDVI profile also indicated below-average conditions. Overall, RAIN in this period dropped by 5% from average level, while TEMP increased by 2°C and RADPAR increased by 10%, indicating  relatively drier and warmer conditions. BIOMSS was about 13% higher than average while CALF was at the average level, however, VCIx was relative low (0.88).

In the Massif Central dry zone, the VCIx was recorded at a high level (1.01) and the NDVI profile was showing an average to above-average level, indicating overall better than normal crop conditions. The RAIN decreased by 14%, while the TEMP and RADPAR increased by 2°C and 3%, respectively. BIOMSS increased by 4% while CALF did not show significant changes when compared to the five-year averages.

The Southwestern maize zone is one of the major irrigated regions in France. The regional NDVI profile presented an overall close-to-average trend and the VCIx was recorded at a relative high level (0.97), all indicating average to above-average crop conditions. RAIN in the period was 7% lower than average, while TEMP was 1.9°C higher. RADPAR only slightly dropped by 2%. Both BIOMSS (+1%) and CALF (+0.9%) did not show significant changes.

In the Eastern Alpes region, the NDVI profile presented an overall close-to-average trend, especially starting in March. VCIx for the region was recorded at 0.91 and CALF was slightly higher (+2%) than average, indicating overall average crop conditions. RAIN in the region was 12% lower than average, while TEMP and RADPAR was 2°C and 5% higher than their averages. BIOMSS was 4% higher than the fifteen-year average.

The Mediterranean zone also presented an overall close to average NDVI profile. The region also recorded a high VCIx level (0.96) and the highest CALF increase (4.8%) across France. Taking these factors into account, the region is showing average to above-average crop conditions. RAIN and RADPAR were 12% and 2% lower than average, while TEMP was slightly higher (+1.4°C). BIOMSS was slightly higher (2%) than the fifteen-year average.

Figure 3.16 France’s crop condition, January – April 2020

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c) Time series rainfall profile (left) and temperature profile (right) of France comparing the January-April 2020 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum

(d) Maximum VCI

(e) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA ; (f) NDVI profiles

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Northern barley region (left) and Mixed maize, Barley and Rapeseed zone (right))

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Maize, barley and livestock zone (left) and Rapeseed zone (right))

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Dry Massif Central zone (left) and Southwest maize zone (right))

(j) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Eastern Alpes region (left) and Mediterranean zone (right))

Table 3.23 France’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January – April 2020

Table 3.24 France’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA, January – April 2020