This monitoring period covers the final stages of maize and spring wheat cultivation and their harvest, as well as the sowing of winter wheat in October, expected to be completed in November. 

CropWatch agro-climatic indicators show slightly above-average temperatures over the period (TEMP, +0.3°C). During the summer months, the temperatures nearly reached the maximum values of the past 15 years. RAIN was significantly higher than the average (RAIN, +7%), especially in late September and October. Sunshine was lower than the average (RADPAR, -3%). Due to the generally favorable temperature, rainfall and sunshine conditions, the biomass accumulation was slightly above the 15-year average (BIOMSS, +1%). Cropping intensity was at the average level.

Overall, the national-scale NDVI development graph shows that NDVI trended below last year's and the 5-year average, due to below-average rainfall from July to early September. However, NDVI recovered to close to average in October. All regions were similarly affected, with the exception of the Mediterranean zone. This pattern is confirmed by VCIx, ranging from 0.85 to 0.95 across the regions. Overall, dry weather during the summer months caused unfavorable growth conditions for most of France.

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, slightly warmer weather was observed (TEMP, +0.8°C) while RAIN and RADPAR were below the average (both -5%) over the monitoring period. The BIOMSS increased by 3% when compared to the past 15-year average. The CALF was lower than the average (-1%), and VCIx was 0.85. Cropping intensity decreased by 1%. Crop condition development based on NDVI for this region was below the past 5-year average.

In the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, slightly warmer (TEMP +0.5°C) and wetter (RAIN, +9%) conditions were observed and RADPAR was about 2% below the average. BIOMSS was near average while the regional crop conditions were at average levels except for a drop in September and early October. Cropping intensity was at the average level. The CALF was lower than the average  by 2%, and VCIx was 0.91.

In the Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel, RAIN and TEMP were above average by 20% and 0.3°C. RADPAR was lower than the average (-1%). BIOMSS increased by 2%. Cropping intensity increased by 3%. CALF was average and VCIx was recorded relatively high at 0.95, all indicating normal crop conditions.

Overall, in the Rapeseed zone of eastern France, RAIN in this period was 12% lower than the 15-year average, while TEMP increased by 0.9°C and RADPAR was reduced by 2%, indicating relatively dry conditions. Cropping intensity was lower than average level 6%. BIOMSS was about 3% higher than average with a moderate VCIx level (0.86). However, the NDVI profile indicated that the crop conditions were significantly below the 5-year average after July.

In the Massif Central dry zone, RAIN and RADPAR were 2% and 3% lower than the average, respectively, while TEMP increased slightly by 0.2 °C. The VCIx was 0.86 and BIOMSS decreased by 4% which is indicating a below-average cropping season in the region. Cropping intensity also decreased by 6%. Crop conditions based on the NDVI profile were also showing below-average levels after July.

The Southwestern maize zone is one of the major irrigated regions in France. The regional NDVI profile presented a below-average trend, the VCIx was recorded at a moderate level (0.87) and BIOMASS was 1% lower than average, all indicating below-average crop conditions. Cropping intensity was below the average 1%. RAIN in the period was 24% higher than average, while TEMP was 0.1°C higher. RADPAR dropped by 3%.

In the Eastern Alpes region, crop conditions also presented an overall below-average trend. RAIN and TEMP in the region were 17% and 0.1°C higher than average, while RADPAR was 1% lower than the averages. BIOMSS was slightly higher than the 15-year average (+1%). Cropping intensity was higher than average 3%. VCIx for the region was recorded at 0.87.

The Mediterranean zone is the only region which recorded overall close to average levels. The region also recorded a high VCIx level (0.92). RAIN was 4% higher than average, while TEMP and RADPAR were slightly lower than average (-0.3°C and -2%, respectively). Cropping intensity and BIOMSS increased by 5% and 3%. This region is showing average crop conditions.

Figure 3.5 France’s crop condition, July - October 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 3.1 France’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, July - October 2020

Table 3.2 France’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA, July – October 2020