The growing influence of the Chinese market on international wheat markets was highlighted at the 2013 HGCA Grain Market Outlook Conference held in London yesterday ( Tuesday 15 October.)

The annual Conference, which presents the first overview of the new season, attracted a sell-out audience of industry analysts, economists, growers, processors, traders and retailers.

AHDB Senior Cereals and Oilseeds Analyst, Jack Watts, began the conference with a paper on the outlook of wheat, maize and barley for 2013/14 season. He questioned whether market dynamics were shifting from the West to the East.

Chris Gadd of Macquarie Securities presented on oilseeds markets, looking at ways exporters and importers can manage risks, and how infrastructure is a major issue in ensuring markets continually move forward.

FCStone's Silvia Ren compared grain markets in the UK and China, and considered the need for the East to move to a more transparent and independent market.

Graham Redman from the Andersons Centre concluded the conference. His paper on resilience looked at how UK cereal growers have responded to two challenging seasons, and how the industry can be better equipped to deal with future change.

Director of HGCA Rebecca Geraghty said: "The 2012/13 season has again been challenging for the industry, and this year’s speakers continue to give the cereals supply chain timely information which is relevant to their businesses."