Corn yields in France fall to 6.3 t/ha in 2026

French grain corn production could nearly halve in 2026 compared with the previous year due to severe drought and summer heatwaves. According to an updated forecast from the French Ministry of Agriculture’s statistical service (Agreste), corn production, including seed corn, is expected to reach 7.3 mln tons. This is 800 thsd tons below the September estimate of 8.1 mln tons.

The main reason for the sharp decline in production was adverse weather conditions that negatively affected crop development throughout the summer. Drought conditions, which persisted until September, caused average corn yields to fall by 27% compared with last year. According to Agreste, the average yield is estimated at just 6.3 t/ha, almost 2.4 t/ha below the 2025 level. France has not recorded such low corn yields since 1990.

Farms growing corn without irrigation suffered particularly significant losses. Yields on rainfed fields declined by approximately 2.8 t/ha, exceeding the national average reduction. Prolonged moisture shortages and high temperatures restricted crop development, while insufficient rainfall through September prevented conditions from improving.

In addition to lower yields, a substantial reduction in grain corn acreage contributed to the decline in total production. In 2026, the area is estimated at 1.15 mln ha, down 455 thsd ha, or 28%, from the previous season. Planted acreage declined by 305 thsd ha, while another approximately 150 thsd ha of corn was redirected to silage production.

French corn producers therefore faced both a reduction in planted area and a sharp decline in crop productivity in 2026. The drop in production to 7.3 mln tons will significantly limit French corn supplies to domestic and European markets. However, further market developments will depend on the final harvest results and demand for feedgrain from French consumers.

Tags: corn, France