This report covers the growing period of winter wheat, as well as the sowing of spring wheat and maize in France. CropWatch agro-climatic indicators show that the temperature was slightly below the average (TEMP, -0.1°C). RAIN was 19% lower than average and sunshine was above average (RADPAR, +6%). Due to unfavorable precipitation conditions but suitable temperature and sunshine, the biomass production potential (BIOMSS) is estimated to have slightly decreased by 6% nationwide compared to the 15-year average. The national-scale NDVI development graph shows that the NDVI values were generally lower than in the 2019-2020 season and the 5YA. The crop conditions were close to the 5-year average in March only. This is also partly reflected by the spatial distribution of maximum VCI (VCIx) across the country, which reached an average of 0.81. Overall, below average rainfall starting in February caused  slightly unfavorable growth conditions for most of France.

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 and TEMP were both below average (-12% and -0.6°C respectively), while RADPAR was above average (+9%). The BIOMSS also decreased by 5% when compared to the past 15 YA. The CALF was lower than the average (-1%), and VCIx was 0.81. Crop condition development based on NDVI for this region was below the 5-year average.

In the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, a cooler (TEMP -0.1°C) and drier (RAIN -28%) season was observed, with higher RADPAR (+7%). For the crops, BIOMSS was 14% lower than average, CALF was at the average level and VCIx was 0.82.  The regional NDVI profile presented an overall lower but close-to-average trend, except for a drop in early February, which might have been due to snow.

In the Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel, RAIN and TEMP were below average by 32% and 0.5°C. RADPAR was higher than the average (11%). BIOMSS decreased by 12%.  CALF was average and VCIx was relatively high at 0.88. The regional NDVI profile also presented an overall lower-than-average trend and also a drop in early February.

In the Rapeseed zone of eastern France, the NDVI profile also indicated below-average conditions and a drop in late January and early February. Overall, RAIN in this period dropped by 9% from the average levels, while TEMP decreased by 0.2°C and RADPAR increased by 8%. BIOMSS was about 2% lower than average while CALF was at the average level, and VCIx was 0.83.

In the Massif Central dry zone, TEMP and RADPAR were 0.1°C and 6% higher than the average, respectively, while RAIN decreased by 17%. The VCIx was 0.84 and BIOMSS decreased by 1% which indicated a below-average cropping season in the region.  Crop conditions based on the NDVI profile were also showing below-average levels.

The Southwestern maize zone is one of the major irrigated regions in France. The regional NDVI profile presented an overall close-to-average trend. RAIN in the period was 23% lower than average, while TEMP was 0.3°C higher. RADPAR slightly increased by 3%. Neither BIOMSS (-6%) nor CALF showed significant changes. The VCIx was recorded at 0.79, all indicating average to slightly below-average crop conditions.

In the Eastern Alpes region, the NDVI profile presented an overall close-to-average trend, especially starting in late February. RAIN in the region was 9% lower than average, while TEMP was at the average level and RADPAR was 5% higher than the 15YA. BIOMSS was 2% lower than the fifteen-year average. VCIx for the region was recorded at 0.73 and CALF was slightly lower  than average (-1%), indicating overall average crop conditions.

The Mediterranean zone also presented an overall lower NDVI profile especially in January and February. The region recorded a low VCIx (0.77). RAIN, TEMP, and RADPAR were all lower than average (-20%, -0.1 °C, and -1%, respectively). BIOMSS and CALF decreased by 6% and 2%. This region is showing below average crop conditions.

Figure 3.16 France’s crop condition, January - April 2021

(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, January - April 2021

 Table 3.24 France’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA, January - April 2021