Agreste reports that French carrot production in 2016 is below that recorded the previous year, due to bad weather conditions. Since September, harvest is lower than that recorded at the same time the year before. Annual production will decrease by 4% to 327,000 tons. The Ministry of Agriculture originally estimated a 6% decrease in harvest in the South West, but the figure has been revised and it is said it could be as low as 9%. However, planted volume is important, particularly in Lower Normandy. These two production basins supply 46% and 27% respectively of national carrot production.
Despite the decrease in quantity, the increase in prices did not occur until November and became more dynamic at the start of the winter. Seasonal demand was more active and the weather more favourable to carrot consumption. The offer was smaller in December and prices were 7% above those recorded in 2015. Contrary to the previous months, prices were higher than the 2011-2015 average and those recorded last year.
Carrot production acreage is stable with a 4% increase compared to the five year average, reaching 8,200 hectares. The Aquitaine region represents almost all carrot acreage in the South West and 46% of national production. Acreage has decreased by 1% there and by 10% compared to the 2011-2015 average. Meanwhile, acreage in the West is stable and the South East sees a 4% increase. Acreage in the PACA region has increased by 10% and 14% compared to the 2011-2015 average.