PARIS, FRANCE — Due to adverse weather conditions, France’s soft wheat production is expected to drop nearly 21% this year, Reuters reported, citing data from the French farm ministry.

Production is estimated at 31.31 million tonnes, down from 39.55 million tonnes in 2019. That is 12.4% below the five-year average and is the second smallest crop since 2004, the ministry said.

Yield for 2020 is estimated at 7.11 tonnes per hectare compared to 7.91 tonnes last year. Crop area is down to 4.41 million hectares from 5 million a year earlier.

The season included sowing difficulties in fall due to heavy rain that saturated the soil followed by a spring drought.

Rapeseed production, including a small amount of spring crop, was estimated at 3.37 million tonnes, down 3.7% from last year and 29.5% below the five-year mean.