HGCA's export arm BCE has been working with Moroccan government officials to lift its restrictions on feed wheat imports, opening up a new potential market worth an estimated £9.6 million a year.

The decision comes as the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and the state buying agency ONICL have confirmed that the restrictions on feed wheat imports have been lifted, allowing imports to meet compounders' annual demand of 60,000 tonnes.

Sarah Mann, HGCA's BCE Exports Manager, said, "BCE has been working with the Moroccan Feed Trade Association, AFAC, and the state buying agency ONICL since 2009 to supply feed wheat to the

Moroccan feed industry. Both organisations have said that we were instrumental in helping this decision to happen.

"We welcome the news, as it opens up a new market opportunity for UK feed wheat which previously did not exist. BCE will be hosting a visit to buyers from AFAC after harvest to further strengthen these valuable relationships."

Moroccan feed compounder Youssef Mikou, also welcomes the move.

He said, "I am delighted that the Ministry of Agriculture has finally permitted us to import feed wheat to Morocco. It is very important for us to be able to do this and I would like to thank BCE for all their valuable work."

Last month, BCE ran a Meet the Exporter campaign, a series of six events at four ports and one grain store where growers were encouraged to find out what happens to their grain after it leaves the farm gate. In March, HGCA’s export arm also invited Moroccan millers to bake their national biscuits using uks soft wheat at their first BCE Biscuit Making Workshop.