France faces sharp decline in corn production and grassland growth

French corn production is projected to drop significantly in 2026 due to summer droughts and reduced cultivation areas. According to Agreste, the Ministry of Agriculture's statistical service, grain corn production is estimated to fall to 7.3 million tonnes (Mt) from 13.9 Mt in 2025, representing a 47.7% decrease. National yields are expected to reach their lowest level since 1990.

The crisis is driven by a combination of shrinking cultivated surfaces and declining yields. Non-irrigated corn yields are estimated at only 49.5 q/ha, compared to 92.4 q/ha for irrigated plots. This lack of water has also severely impacted permanent grasslands. As of September 30, cumulative grass growth in permanent pastures showed a 42% deficit compared to the 1989-2018 average, a level higher than the deficit recorded in 2003. In three-quarters of these pastures, grass growth has reportedly stalled for over three months due to the absence of significant rainfall following the heatwaves in late June.