Because of the winter drought, changes were made to cropping plans whenever possible, with farmers adopting a responsible approach.

 Why it is sensible to sow maize now:
 - First, because silage maize is the best way of securing feed for our livestock, even in times of drought, as was clearly shown in 2003.
 - And because France is in a temperate zone, and logically there should be rain in Spring, or even Summer, which would therefore reduce the quantity of water needed for crops under irrigation.  We can note that irrigation only covers one in every four hectares of maize.  The year 2002, with a Winter drought very similar to the situation this year, relied on farmers and their common sense — let’s trust nature!
 - Whenever there have been restrictions on water consumption, irrigating farmers have shown their know-how in the management of water resources and compliance with regulations.
Draft legislation is currently being reviewed in the Senate, so it is opportune to note that irrigating farmers have optimised their water management and are expecting effective legislation promoting water storage designed to meet requirements without jeopardising economic activity through bans on drawing water.
Both irrigated and non-irrigated maize is a great asset for French farming, and farmers can be proud that they are starting to sow their crops. 
Contacts Presse : 
Céline FOURNIER et Béatrice GUENEBEAUD 
tél. 01 47 23 48 32