Once the EU’s largest corn producer by 2019-21 average, France now trails Poland and Romania after its lowest output in 50 years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cut its 2026/27 EU corn estimate to 48.0 million metric tons (mmt) on October 9, down 16% from last year. The crop is the smallest since marketing year (MY) 1994/95, when the bloc had fewer member states.
Key Facts
- EU corn production is estimated at 48.0 mmt, the lowest since marketing year 1994/95.
- EU corn harvested area fell 10% from last year to a record low of 7.4 million hectares.
- Down 1.5 mmt from September, France's corn estimate is a 50-year low of 7.0 mmt.
USDA tied the lower estimate to poor weather, citing extreme summer heat and dryness in France and Hungary. DTN reported USDA's September figure at 50.6 mmt, so October's estimate is 5% lower. Production also sits 21% below the 5-year average.
EU Corn Harvested Area Falls to a Record Low of 7.4 Million Hectares
Harvested area is estimated at 7.4 million hectares (mha), down 10% from last year. The figure is the lowest on record. Yield is estimated at 6.52 tons per hectare, down 6% from last year. Against the 5-year average, yield is 7% lower. The last lower yield came in MY 2022/23.
France's Corn Output Falls to a 50-Year Low of 7.0 Million Metric Tons
USDA estimates France's corn production at 7.0 mmt, down 1.5 mmt from September. It is a 50-year low. Harvested area in France is estimated at 1.2 mha, the smallest in 58 years.
Eurostat data mapped by USDA for 2019-21 shows France averaging 21% of total annual EU corn production, ahead of Romania at 17% and Poland at 12%. USDA reported that Poland and Romania both out-produced France this year, following more favorable weather in those countries.
Hungary's crop is estimated at 2.1 mmt, the lowest in a USDA series dating to 1960. Hungary's harvested area of 0.6 mha is also a record low. Germany's estimate fell 0.4 mmt to 4.1 mmt after official statistics were released. Much of southern Germany endured a prolonged drought during the summer growing season.
France's Corn Harvest Was Close to 50% Complete at the End of September
France's corn crop was close to 50% complete at the end of September. USDA described harvest work as ongoing across the rest of Europe.
USDA's next World Agricultural Production report is due after 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 10.
