French farmers show growing interest in sorghum amid heat and water shortages

French farmers are increasingly experimenting with sorghum as a more drought-resistant alternative to traditional grain crops, particularly corn. Interest in the crop is growing as heatwaves become more frequent and rainfall becomes less reliable.

In 2024, sorghum acreage in France reached around 103 thsd ha, making the country the largest producer of the crop in Europe. Sorghum cultivation in France has been gradually expanding over the past 15 years.

Sorghum is better adapted to hot and dry conditions than corn. Its root system can reach depths of up to two meters, allowing plants to access moisture more efficiently and withstand drought. However, prolonged dry periods this summer have also affected some sorghum fields.

Despite its agronomic advantages, faster acreage expansion is still limited by weak demand. Sorghum is used both for feed and food, but French farmers say the market is not yet developed enough for the crop to compete with traditional grains in terms of profitability.

Further expansion of sorghum in France will depend not only on climate conditions but also on the development of a stable market. If hotter and drier weather persists, the crop could attract more attention as one option for adapting grain production to water shortages.

Tags: heat, water shortages, sorghum, weather conditions, France