French Wheat Crop Up 20 Pct, Barley Up 27 pct

French 2008-09 cereal production is seen 16% up on the year at 68.9 million metric tons, according to the French Ministry.

French wheat production was forecast at 37.0 million tons, up from the previous forecast of 36.6 million tons and 20.2% up on last season.

France's barley output is now forecast at 12.0 million tons, a 26.7% increase from 2007-08.

Corn production was pegged at 14.6 million tons little changed from 2007-08.