The analysis period coincides with the late dormancy stages of wheat and other winter crops, and the planting of maize and summer crops that started in April. Compared to average, CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that the conditions were unfavorable. This includes the following: a 30% drop in RAIN, about average temperature, and a marked drop (10%) in RADPAR nationwide. Crop condition was close average, which is confirmed by a slight decrease for the BIOMSS indicator (-1%).

As shown by the crop condition development graph, national NDVI values were mostly below those for 2017 and the recent five-year average. The spatial NDVI patterns compared to the five-year average and corresponding NDVI departure cluster profiles further indicate that NDVI is above average in 61% of arable land, with below average NDVI in the other regions. This spatial pattern is reflected by the maximum VCI (VCIx) in the different areas, with a value of 0.88 and a slight drop in CALF (0.5%) for France overall.  Generally, due to the rainfall deficit, the agronomic indicators mentioned above show unfavorable condition for some crop areas of France. In the next few months, more rain is needed.

Regional analysis

Considering cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, additional sub-national detail is provided for eight agro-ecological zones. They are identified in the maps by the following numbers: (50)Northern barley region; (51) Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone; (52) Maize, barley and livestock zone, (53) Rapeseed region; (54) Dry Massif Central zone; (55) Southwestern maize zone; (56) Eastern Alpes region , and (57), the Mediterranean zone. 

In the Northern barley region,TEMP was 0.7°C and RADPAR 11% below average respectively, while RAIN was  29% above. As a result the BIOMSS indicator is 18% above the five-year average. High VCIx values are observed, reflecting overall favorable crop condition.

The most severe adverse weather conditions were observed in the Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone (RAIN -32%,RADPAR -14%). According to the NDVI profiles, crop condition has been continuously deteriorating since January. BIOMSS is 17% below its five-year average, but the VCIx value is high(0.94).

Generally, crop condition for the Maize, barley and livestock zone is close average, in spite of climate conditions being poor (RAIN -5%, TEMP -0.9°C, and RADPAR -12%). Almost all arable land in this region was cropped during the monitoring period, and the average VCIx is 0.92. The NDVI profile confirms the favorable conditions with close to average NDVI since April.

The Rapeseed region also had below average rainfall (RAIN, -13%). Temperature was average, but sunshine was low (RADPAR, -8%). According to the NDVI profile map and VCIx map, crop condition was good in the region. Overall, the situation is considered to be close to average.

Mostly unfavorable climatic conditions dominated the Dry Massif Central zone over the reporting period. Rainfall was 31% below average (178 mm over four months). Temperature was normal, but radiation (RADPAR) was well below (-11%). The dry conditions have hampered crop growth, indicated also by a BIOMSS indicator 11% below average for the period.

The Southwest maize region had below average rainfall (RAIN, -13%) and radiation (RADPAR -12%), representing however average values for TEMP. BIOMSS for the region is close the five-year average,reflects the generally average crop condition.

The crop condition for Eastern Alpes region is close to average. Rainfall fell 11% below average, temperature was average, but radiation was well below expectations (RADPAR -9%). Crop condition was close to average according to the NDVI development graph, an observation confirmed by the increase of BIOMSS (3% ) and the small decrease in CALF (2%) compared to average. The VCIx map shows that the crop condition was close to average.

The Mediterranean zone recorded 238 mm of rainfall over four months (RAIN -3%). Temperature was average (TEMP-0.2°C) but RADPAR was 10% below. The increase in BIOMSS was 8% compared to the five-year average. Crop condition was favorable. 

Figure 3.13 a. France phenology of major crops

Figure 3.13 b. France national level crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the January-April 2018 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum

Figure 3.13 c. France maximum VCI for January-April 2018 by pixel

Figure 3.13 d. France spatial NDVI patterns up to April 2018 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles(right).

Figure 3.13 f. Northern barley region zone (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 g. Mixed maize/barley and rapeseed zone  (France)crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.13 h. Maize, barley and livestock zone (France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 i. Rapeseed zone(France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI.

Figure 3.13 j. Dry Massif Central zone(France)crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.13 k. Southwest maize zone(France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.13 l. Eastern Alpes region(France)crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.13 m. Mediterranean zone(France) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Table 3.26. France agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15 YA, January-April 2018

Table 3.27. France agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's value and departure from 5YA, January-April 2018

Table 3.28. CropWatch-estimated maize and wheat production for France in 2018 (thousand tons)