France’s sugar beet harvest could fall to its lowest since 1980

France’s sugar beet harvest could fall to 25.4 mln tons in 2026, the lowest level since at least 1980. According to Agreste, production is expected to decline by 29% y/y due to a 24% drop in yields and a 6% reduction in planted area.

The sharp deterioration has been driven by drought and extreme heat, which slowed crop development and weakened plant resistance to pests and diseases. In several areas north of the Loire, weevils and the fungal disease rhizopus have spread, leaving part of the crop unsuitable for processing.

On the most affected farms, the share of unmarketable beets has reached 40–50%. If more than 20% of the crop in a field is damaged, cooperatives may refuse to accept it because separating healthy roots from spoiled ones is practically impossible.

As a result, some farmers are choosing not to harvest affected fields at all, as harvesting costs would exceed potential returns. Growers estimate that losses at individual farms have already reached tens of thousands of euros.

The French sugar beet growers’ confederation estimates total industry losses at around €1 bln. The situation is creating additional risks for sugar factories, as France remains Europe’s largest sugar producer while its raw material base has been shrinking for several years.

Tags: harvest, France, sugar beet