An Agreste publication stated that : “Following a 6% decrease in production acreage over the last season, the decrease is again accentuated this season. Acreage is strongly declining and has dropped to under 10,000 ha. With 8,000 ha to harvest next November, the level is historically low. Reduction in acreage compared to the year 2000 has reached 50%”.
Picardy and the Nord-Pas-de-Calais are the main regions effected; Picardy has lost 20% of acreage and in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais 1,500 ha of production has been abandoned, i.e. a 23% decrease. “Brittany has managed to maintain the totality of their crops compared to the previous season”.
“The decrease in acreage provokes a reduction in root production. With conditions more or less favourable to plantations, the yield should keep up to the level of the 2013-2014 season, with however a decrease compared to the 5 year average”.
Chicory production is estimated at 169,000 tons (-7%). “This level could, however, develop depending on the consumer demand”.