This monitoring period covers the final stages of spring wheat and winter wheat cultivation and harvest of maize, which started in September. The sowing of winter wheat started in October and will be completed in November. CropWatch agro-climatic indicators showed slightly below-average temperatures over the period (TEMP, -0.6°C). RAIN was significantly higher than the average (RAIN, +17%), especially in July and early September, which continued the trend of above-average precipitation observed during of the previous monitoring period. Sunshine was slightly lower than the average (RADPAR, -1%). Due to the generally favorable rainfall, temperature and sunshine conditions, the biomass accumulation was significantly above the national 15-year average (BIOMSS, +8%). Cropping intensity was above average level by 9%. 

The national-scale NDVI development graph shows that the NDVI values were also significantly above the 5-year average. The crop conditions were even better than the 5-year maximum during the summer season. The spatial distribution of maximum VCI (VCIx) across the country also reached a high range of 0.89-1.03. CALF departure increased by 1%. Overall, high precipitation and proper sunshine and temperature during the summer season caused favorable growth conditions for all of France's agricultural regions. However, the high rainfall negatively impacted the harvest of barley and wheat crops, resulting in poor grain quality in some 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, slightly cooler weather was observed (TEMP, -0.6°C) while RAIN and RADPAR were above average (RAIN +33% and RADPAR +1%) over the monitoring period. The BIOMSS significantly increased by 17% when compared to the past 15-year average. The CALF was near average, and VCIx was relatively high at 1.03. Cropping intensity increased by 18%. Crop condition development based on NDVI for this region was above the past 5-year average, and even above the 5-year maximum in July and August.

In the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone from the Center to the Atlantic Ocean, slightly cooler (TEMP -0.5°C) and drier (RAIN -1%) conditions were observed and RADPAR was at the average. BIOMSS was above average by 1% while the NDVI profile showed the regional crop conditions were higher than average levels especially in summer season. Cropping intensity was higher than the average level by 15%. The CALF was increased by 1%, and VCIx was 0.99.

In the Maize-barley and livestock zone along the English Channel, RAIN and RADPAR were above average by 16% and 4%. TEMP was lower than the average (-0.1°C). BIOMSS increased by 12%. Cropping intensity increased by 18%. CALF was average and VCIx was 1.01. The regional NDVI profile also presented an overall higher than average trend, and was also higher than the 5-year maximum in July and August.

In the Rapeseed zone of eastern France, the NDVI profile also indicated above-average and maximum conditions. Overall, RAIN in this period was 23% higher than the 15-year average, while TEMP decreased by 1.0°C and RADPAR dropped by 2%. BIOMSS was about 9% higher than average while CALF was at the average level, and VCIx was 1.02. Cropping intensity was higher than average level 15%.

In the Massif Central dry zone, TEMP and RADPAR were 0.9°C and 5% lower than the average, respectively, while RAIN increased by 24%. CALF was at the average level. Cropping intensity decreased by 6%.The VCIx was high at 1.03 and BIOMSS increased by 9% which indicated a favorable cropping season in the region.  Crop conditions based on the NDVI profile were also showing above-average levels during the whole monitoring period. 

The Southwestern maize zone is one of the major irrigated regions in France. The regional NDVI profile presented an above-average trend. The VCIx was recorded at a high level (1.02). BIOMSS was 1% lower than average. CALF was average. Cropping intensity was above the average 5%. RAIN in the period was at the average level, while TEMP was 0.6°C lower than average, and RADPAR dropped by 2%.

In the Eastern Alpes region, the NDVI profile also presented an above-average and close-to-maximum trend. RAIN in the region was 32% higher than average, while TEMP was lower than average (-0.9°C) and RADPAR was 6% lower than the 15YA. BIOMSS was 7% higher than the 15-year average. Cropping intensity was higher than average 3%. VCIx for the region was recorded at 1.02 and CALF was 1% higher than average level, indicating overall above-average crop conditions.

The Mediterranean zone also indicated an overall above-average NDVI profile, but was close to average in early July and late August. The region recorded a relatively low VCIx (0.89). RADPAR and TEMP were 2% and 0.4°C lower than average, while RAIN was higher than average (+11%) . Cropping intensity increased by 7%. BIOMSS and CALF increased by 6% and 2%. This region was also showing above-average crop conditions.

Figure 3.5 France’s crop condition, July - October 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 3.1 France’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, July - October 2021

Table 3.2 France’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA, July - October 2021