Business · Energy & Commodities · 7 hrs ago
France’s 2026 maize harvest forecast to fall by half
France’s maize harvest is expected to be half its 2025 size in 2026, according to the country’s main maize producers’ association.
Grain production is estimated at about 7 million tonnes, its lowest level since 1976.
The agriculture ministry’s statistics service estimated 7.3 million tonnes, while an analytics firm forecast 6.9 million tonnes.
Drought and heatwaves damaged crops, alongside a reduction in the area planted.
The producers’ association estimates losses of €2.5 billion for farmers’ maize businesses.
It says the poor harvest threatens farms and the 2027 growing season.
The association is urging the government to act, asking for support of €450 per hectare; no government response is stated.
France’s 2026 grain maize harvest is forecast to be about 50% lower than in 2025, according to the main growers’ association.
The association estimates production at about 7 million tonnes, its lowest level since 1976.
It attributed the decline mainly to drought and heatwaves, as well as a reduction in cultivated area.
The association estimates farmers’ financial losses from maize production at €2.5 billion and called for government support.
- Who
- France’s maize growers, represented by the Association of Maize Producers in France (AGPM).
- What
- The 2026 grain maize harvest is forecast to be about half the size of the 2025 harvest.
- When
- The estimate was made public on 20 October 2026; the harvest was nearly complete.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- Drought and heatwaves, including a damaging heatwave in late June, and reduced cultivated area.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
France’s grain maize harvest was estimated at 13.6 million tonnes by Agreste.
A heatwave particularly damaged maize plants, according to the AGPM.
Agreste estimated the 2026 harvest at 7.3 million tonnes.
The AGPM made public its estimate that the harvest would be 50% lower than the previous year.
- AGPM 2026 harvest estimate
- About 7 million tonnes
- Agreste 2026 harvest estimate
- 7.3 million tonnes
- Argus Media 2026 forecast
- 6.9 million tonnes
- Agreste 2025 harvest estimate
- 13.6 million tonnes
- Estimated financial loss
- €2.5 billion
- Requested support
- €450 per hectare against estimated costs of €900 per hectare
What people are saying
We have crossed another threshold. This year, disaster has struck.
avoided expenses and cash assistance