Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 17, France’s agriculture ministry announced on Tuesday an updated estimate for the winter soft wheat area sown for the 2025 harvest, increasing it to 4.61 million hectares from 4.57 million hectares projected in February. As the European Union’s leading grain producer, France anticipates a total soft wheat area, including a minor spring wheat component, of 4.63 million hectares, reflecting a 10% rise from the rain-affected 2024 harvest and a 1.1% increase over the five-year average.

Milder weather has reduced the need to shift from winter to spring wheat compared to the previous year, though sowing occurred later than usual, resulting in delayed crop development. “The shift from winter (soft) wheat to spring wheat is less frequent than last year due to milder weather conditions. However, winter sowing was later than usual, leading to delayed development,” the ministry stated. Despite these delays, growing conditions have shown improvement since the start of the year, supporting optimism for the upcoming harvest.

In contrast, the ministry forecasts a 7% decline in the durum wheat area compared to 2024, reaching the lowest level in over three decades. For sugar beet, an initial estimate pegs the 2025 harvest area at 391,000 hectares, down from 412,000 hectares in 2024 and 2.9% below the five-year average. The ministry noted that this figure is provisional, as sowing activities are still underway. “These early estimates reflect current trends, but final figures will depend on ongoing sowing progress,” a ministry spokesperson said.

The ministry also revised its estimate for rapeseed, primarily used for biofuel and vegetable oil, to 1.29 million hectares, up from 1.27 million hectares in February but 3% below the previous year’s area. These adjustments highlight the dynamic nature of agricultural planning, influenced by weather and market factors. “Improved weather has supported slight increases in some crop areas, but challenges like delayed sowing require careful monitoring,” the spokesperson added.

France’s updated forecasts underscore its critical role in global grain markets, with the expanded soft wheat area signaling a robust season ahead. The ministry’s focus on adapting to weather patterns and optimizing crop development reflects efforts to ensure sustainable agricultural output. These projections provide valuable insights for stakeholders, supporting planning for domestic consumption and export markets while advancing France’s agricultural resilience.