The monitoring period mainly focused on the major winter crop-producing areas in northern and western France, including the Northern Barley Zone, the Northwest Maize and Barley Mixed Zone, the Western Maize, Barley and Rapeseed Mixed Zone, and the Rapeseed Zone. From January to March 2026, cereal crops in France were generally at the post-winter regreening and early growth stages. The planted area of cereals in the main producing regions increased by about 1% compared with the previous year (Figure 2.10), indicating a generally stable production base.

Agroclimatic indicators show that RAIN in France reached 262 mm, 19% above the 15-year average (15YA). The average temperature (TEMP) was 7.6°C, 1.3°C above average, while RADPAR was 8% below average. Overall, above-average rainfall and warmer-than-usual temperatures favored the regreening and recovery of winter crops, although reduced radiation may have partly limited photosynthesis and biomass accumulation. The BIOMSS at the national level was 17% above the 15YA, suggesting that the overall hydrothermal conditions remained favorable for crop growth. In the main producing regions, precipitation in the Northern Barley Zone, the Northwest Maize and Barley Mixed Zone, and the Western Maize, Barley and Rapeseed Mixed Zone was 9%, 27%, and 24% above average, respectively, while potential biomass increased by 16%, 18%, and 19%, respectively.

Crop condition indicators also point to favorable crop development. The CALF reached 97%, 4% above the recent 5-year average (5YA). The VCIx was 0.91, and the CrPI reached 1.08, indicating that overall crop conditions were better than the recent average. In the main producing regions, CPI values were all above 1.0, suggesting generally favorable growth conditions in the major cereal-producing areas.

The planted area, yield, and production of winter wheat in France are all expected to increase. The planted area expanded slightly by 1.0% to 5,692 thousand hectares. Warmer spring temperatures and adequate moisture promoted wheat regreening and stem elongation, resulting in a significant yield increase of 4.13%. The average yield is estimated at 8,033 kg/ha, the highest among the major producing countries. As a result of the increases in both area and yield, total production is expected to reach 45.72 million tonnes, up by 5.17%.

Overall, during January to March 2026, the cereal area in France’s main producing regions expanded slightly, and crop conditions were generally favorable. Adequate moisture and above-average temperatures supported crop regreening and early growth. However, persistently wet conditions and below-average radiation may increase the risks of waterlogging, disease pressure, and field management difficulties. Weather conditions from spring to harvest should therefore be closely monitored for their potential impacts on yield formation.

Figure 2.10 Spatial Distribution of Cereal Crops in Major Production Areas of France, 2026