France: For 2003-2004, barley harvested area is estimated at 1.8 Mha, up from 1.6 Mha in 2002-2003. Barley yields, estimated at 5.7 t/ha for 2003-2004, were reduced by about 15% due to poor growing conditions, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Lower yields more than offset increased area, resulting in a 9% decrease in production, estimated at 10.0 Mt. Due to the smaller crop, exports are estimated at 2.2 Mt, down from 2.9 Mt in 2002-2003. Feed use is expected to increase because of the improved price competitiveness of barley, which is replacing wheat in the formulation of poultry feed. Carry-out stocks are estimated at 1.2 Mt, down from 1.8 Mt in 2002-2003.

For 2004-2005, barley harvested area is forecast at 1.6 Mha, down from 1.8 Mha, due largely to a shift to corn and wheat production. However, with a return to more favourable growing conditions, increased yields are expected to more than offset the effects of lower barley area. As a result, production is forecast by IGC at 11.0 Mt, up by 11% from 2003-2004. Carry-out stocks are forecast at 1.7 Mt, versus 1.2 Mt in 2003-2004 and the 5-year average of 1.5 Mt.

09 July, 2004