Introduction
In 2025, France’s cereal sector is experiencing a notable rebound after the challenges of 2024. Favorable weather conditions, strategic shifts in cultivation, and dynamic export activities are contributing to this resurgence. This article presents the latest key figures and trends shaping the French cereal market.
1. Cultivated Areas and Crop Conditions
Soft Wheat
Cultivated Area: Estimated at 4.60 million hectares, a 9.1% increase compared to 2024, despite a slight reduction from April’s estimate of 4.63 million hectares.
Crop Condition: As of mid-April, 75% of the wheat crop was rated in good or excellent condition, up from 64% the previous year.
Barley
Cultivated Area: Remained stable at 1.74 million hectares.
Crop Condition: Winter barley rated at 71% good to excellent, and spring barley at 86%, both improvements over the previous year.
Maize (Corn)
Cultivated Area: Projected at 1.48 million hectares, a 7.6% decrease from 2024, attributed to increased wheat sowing.
2. Production and Export Forecasts
Soft Wheat Exports
Within the EU: Forecasted at 6.24 million tonnes, approaching the 2023/24 volume of 6.29 million tonnes. ukragroconsult.com
Outside the EU: Estimated at 3.4 million tonnes, the lowest since 1996/97, due to a poor harvest and reduced demand from Algeria and China. ukragroconsult.com
Barley Exports
Outside the EU: Raised to 2 million tonnes, up from 1.9 million tonnes, driven by increased demand from Morocco and Jordan. ukragroconsult.com
Maize Stocks
End-of-Season Stocks: Projected at 3.47 million tonnes, up from 3.39 million tonnes, due to a second upward revision in harvest supplies. energynews.oedigital.com
3. Market Prices
As of May 15, 2025:
Corn (Bordeaux): €184.0 per tonne, a 1.7% increase over the previous week.
Durum Wheat (Port-la-Nouvelle): €295.0 per tonne, stable over the week.teseo.clal.it
Soft Wheat (Rouen): €202.5 per tonne, a 0.7% increase over the previous week.
4. Outlook and Challenges
France’s cereal sector is poised for recovery in 2025, with improved crop conditions and strategic export adjustments. However, challenges such as global competition, particularly from Russia, and diplomatic tensions affecting key markets like Algeria, continue to impact export volumes. Ongoing investments in sustainable practices and diversification of export destinations are essential for maintaining growth.
FAQ: French Cereal Market in 2025
1. What is the projected soft wheat cultivated area in France for 2025?
Approximately 4.60 million hectares, a 9.1% increase from 2024.
2. How are the crop conditions for wheat and barley?
Wheat: 75% rated good/excellent; Winter barley: 71%; Spring barley: 86%.
3. What are the export forecasts for soft wheat?
EU exports: 6.24 million tonnes; Non-EU exports: 3.4 million tonnes. ukragroconsult.com
4. What are the current market prices for cereals?
Corn: €184.0/t; Durum Wheat: €295.0/t; Soft Wheat: €202.5/t. teseo.clal.it
5. What factors are influencing the French cereal market in 2025?
Improved weather conditions, strategic crop planning, global competition, and diplomatic relations.
Internal Linking Opportunities
