The monitoring period covers winter wheat, which had reached maturity by July. The planting of maize and spring wheat was completed in May. The harvest of the summer crops including rice, potatoes and sunflower, starts in July and extends into September.

CropWatch agro-climatic indicators show above-average temperature over the period, along with significantly lower RAIN in July as compared to 2019 and the 15 YA. Dry conditions had already been observed for the previous reporting period. 

Overall, the national-scale NDVI development graph shows that NDVI trended below last year's and the 5-year average. However, it recovered to close to average in July. All regions were affected, with the exception of the Mediterranean zone. This pattern is confirmed by VCIx, ranging from 0.8 to 0.96 across the regions.

Regional analysis

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 over the monitoring period was below average (-40%) while temperature and RADPAR were above average (0.7 ^oC and 9%, respectively). Land was fully cropped and BIOMSS increased by 10%, but the regional NDVI was below the 5-year average across the entire season, indicating a below-average production.

In the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, a slightly warmer (TEMP 0.7°C above average) but drier (RAIN 14% lower than average) period was observed, with RADPAR (4%) and BIOMSS (6%) slightly higher than the 15-year average.  The regional NDVI profile recovered to average levels starting in late June.  

The Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel had less rain (-13%), increased temperature (0.7 ^oC), increased RADPAR (6%) and BIOMSS (8%) and overall high VCIx (0.91), indicating close-to-average crop conditions. This is supported by the regional NDVI profile, which was close to average in July.

In the Rapeseed zone of eastern France, the NDVI profile had also recovered to close-to-average levels starting in June. Overall, RAIN in this period was 26% lower than the 15-year average, while TEMP increased by 0.5°C and RADPAR increased by 7%, indicating a relatively dry and warm season. BIOMSS was about 5% higher than average with a moderate VCIx level (0.86).

In the Massif Central dry zone, the VCIx was recorded at a high level (0.95) and the NDVI profile was showing an average level, indicating overall close-to-average crop conditions. The RAIN was 9% lower than the average, while TEMP and RADPAR increased slightly by 0.6 °C and 4%, respectively. BIOMSS increased by 4% which is also indicating a normal cropping season in the region.

The Southwestern maize zone is one of the major irrigated maize regions in France. Overall favorable conditions were observed during the period, characterized by a slight increase in RAIN (9%), TEMP (0.7 ^oC) and BIOMSS (4%). The regional NDVI profile presented an overall close-to-average trend and the VCIx was recorded at a relative high level (0.91), all indicating average crop conditions.

In the Eastern Alpes region, the NDVI profile presented overall close-to but below average trend. VCIx for the region was recorded at 0.89, indicating an overall average crop conditions. RAIN in the region was 7% lower than average, while TEMP and RADPAR was 0.4°C and 2% higher than their averages. BIOMSS was slightly higher than the 15-year average (+1%) .

The Mediterranean zone is the only region which recorded an overall above-average NDVI profile. The region also recorded high VCIx level (0.96). RAIN and TEMP were 18% and 0.2 ^oC higher than average, while RADPAR was slightly lower (2%) than average. BIOMSS was equal to average. This region is showing average to above average crop conditions.

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

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c) Maximum VCI

(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA        (e) NDVI profiles

(f) Rainfall profiles     

(g) Temperature profiles

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

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

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

(k) 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, April – July 2020

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