PARIS: The condition of French maize crops has declined for an eighth straight week to remain at its worst in at least 15 years, with the European Union’s biggest grain producer gripped by hot weather and drought, data showed on Friday.
Ratings of grain maize showed that 31percent of crops were in good or excellent condition by August 3, down from 34percent the previous week and 67percent a year earlier, farm office FranceAgriMer said in a weekly cereal report.
That was the lowest score in the office’s records, which date back to 2011. Analysts expect the smallest French maize harvest in 50 years because the severe summer weather has withered crops, particularly in non-irrigated fields.
Harvesting of wheat and barley ended last month after the hot, dry weather accelerated field work.
Comments