France's wheat harvest has seen a significant quality drop due to excessive rainfall, marking the lowest yield in the past 40 years, as reported by Reuters. This decline has imposed additional costs on local processors, with smaller grains leading to lower starch levels and increased cellulose, a tougher substance that can harm machinery. The reduced starch content also results in higher by-product volumes, further increasing operational challenges. The industry is already grappling with low demand and intense competition from imports. In response, major starch companies like Tereos, Roquette, Cargill, and Archer Daniels Midland have relaxed their standards, allowing for the processing of smaller grains that would otherwise be rejected in a standard harvest.