As one of the largest ever shipments of UK barley prepares to leave our shores, HGCA is reminding growers of the opportunity to learn more about exporting. HGCA’s series of ‘Meet the Exporter’ events begin later this month, when exporter organisations will open their doors to local growers in Angus, Bristol and Lincolnshire.

Delegates at the events will learn more about the processes involved in exporting grain, gaining insight into shipping operations and overseas market requirements. Analysts from AHDB’s Market Intelligence division will also add context with an overview of global grain markets and current price drivers. This week, the UK is exporting 60,000 tonnes of barley to Saudi Arabia from the Port of Tyne.

Last year’s UK barley harvest totalled 6.911Mt, leaving an estimated 2 million tonnes available for export. So far this season (July-December) barley exports have totalled 743Kt, equating to 11% of the 2014 crop of which over a third has been shipped to non-EU destinations.

Sarah Mann, HGCA Exports Manager said: “UK grain exports have had to focus on non-EU destinations this season as a result of an over-supplied EU grains market and the strength of the Sterling against the Euro. With another record breaking surplus of barley this year, it is good to see UK barley growers gaining benefit from this market demand.

“There are only a small number of ports in the UK capable of supplying vessels of the size required by markets such as Saudi. Understanding the requirements of your local port by attending an event such as Meet the Exporter is so important when making key decisions on the farm.”

HGCA’s Meet the Exporter events take place:

• Angus Cereals, Montrose – 26 February
• Openfield, Portbury – 6 March
• Gleadell Agriculture, Immingham – 12 March

Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest importer of barley which is used for animal feed. Last year the country imported 7.9Mt, and this is forecast to remain strong for the current marketing year. Their government led policy to import 100% of their cereal requirements by 2016, including around 4Mt of wheat, is in recognition of the need to conserve scarce water resources. HGCA’s exports team work with Saudi Arabia’s buyers to maintain an understanding of their specifications as well as informing about export requirements from the UK.

If you would like to know more about the Meet the Exporter events or to book, visit: www.hgca.com/mte or call: 024 7647 8726.