French Agriculture Ministry Increases Winter Wheat Area Estimate

The French Ministry of Agriculture has raised its estimate of the area under soft winter wheat for the 2025 harvest from 4.57 million hectares in February to 4.61 million hectares.

The total area under soft wheat, including small areas of spring wheat, is estimated at 4.63 million hectares, which is 10% more than the 2024 harvest, which was affected by rains, and 1.1% above the five-year average, Reuters writes, citing a statement from the ministry.

“The transition from winter (soft) wheat to spring wheat is less frequent than last year due to milder weather conditions. However, winter sowing was carried out later than usual, which led to a delay in development,” the statement said.

The conditions for plant development are improving compared to the beginning of the year, the ministry added.

Beet and rapeseed

In the initial forecast, the ministry estimated the area under sugar beet for this year’s harvest at 391 thousand hectares, compared to 412 thousand hectares in 2024. The estimate is also 2.9% lower than the five-year average.

These are preliminary estimates; sowing has not been completed.

The estimate of the area under rapeseed has increased to 1.29 million hectares, compared to 1.27 million hectares in February. However, the current estimate is 3% lower than last year’s figure.

Tags: crop condition, France, wheat