French maize conditions hit another low as harvest accelerates

PARIS: French maize crop conditions worsened last week to hit another record low, data from farm office FranceAgriMer showed on Friday, as hot, dry weather persisted in the European Union’s biggest grain producer.

By September 14, 23percent of grain maize crops were in good or excellent condition, down from 26percent a week earlier. That was the lowest score in the office’s records, which date back to 2011. The rating compares with 62percent a year earlier.

Maize (corn) has suffered from exceptional heat and drought in France during this summer’s peak growing season. France’s agriculture ministry this week forecast grain maize production would plunge by 42percent from last year to its lowest since the 1970s.

In another hot spell last week, temperatures peaked at about 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some southern areas. Maize harvesting accelerated to remain well ahead of its usual pace. By Monday, 27percent of the crop had been cut, against a five-year average of 5percent for the same week, FranceAgriMer said.