Quality of France’s new wheat crop exceeds recent averages

France’s new soft wheat crop is showing strong quality indicators despite lower production caused by hot and dry weather. Several key characteristics of the 2026 crop are performing noticeably above the five-year average, according to preliminary data from FranceAgriMer and Arvalis reported by Reuters.

In particular, 90% of the tested wheat samples had protein content of at least 11%, compared with a five-year average of 80%. The share of wheat with protein content of 11.5% or higher reached 58%, versus an average of 51% over the previous five years.

Test weight results were even stronger. Around 96% of the samples met or exceeded the European market standard of 76 kg/hl, compared with a five-year average of just 61%.

Baking quality indicators were also strong. All tested samples recorded a Hagberg falling number of at least 250 seconds, compared with a five-year average of 85% meeting this industry requirement. The preliminary results are based on 56% of the samples planned for the FranceAgriMer and Arvalis survey.

The strong quality could partly support the competitiveness of French wheat on export markets despite a smaller crop. France’s agriculture ministry estimated soft wheat production at 31.9 mln tons in early August, down 4% from last year as hot and dry weather reduced yields.

Tags: France, wheat, crop forecast