The global agribusiness Nidera announced a harvest 2013 buy-back contract for the Group 3 wheat variety Torch for export to Spain and for the UK market. This reinforces a strong demand for good British nabim and uks Group 3 wheats such as Torch by the millers, both locally and on the Continent, says RAGT's Managing Director, Simon Howell.

Russell Frost, Seed Manager for Nidera UK, reports that the variety has a particular appeal as it is the fourth highest yielding variety on the Recommended List and the highest yielding Group 3, with a yield of 105%.  “It is also a good quality wheat, with a NABIM rating as a Group 3. I see it taking over from stalwart wheat varieties such as Consort and Riband.”

Russell reports that the Spanish millers love it.  “Millers in Spain who have tested grain samples of Torch have expressed their particular satisfaction with the gluten quality and bread-making aptitude. UK millers are also keen on it and I see it being taken into both markets, home and abroad.”

“Torch will join the other quality wheats that we will export and it will add to our position as one of the largest grain exporters in the UK. This current season we shipped a quarter of the UK wheat exports largely via our grain terminal at Ipswich. Our strong relationships with European customers plus excellent distribution channels means we have been successful in matching UK farmers’ crops with the needs of overseas buyers. Certainly Torch has captured the imagination of many buyers in the Iberian Peninsula as well as at home,” says Russell Frost.