After loading the landmark one millionth tonne of grain last campaign, the Gleadell Terminal in the outer harbour at Great Yarmouth has made a solid start to the new harvest with 35,000t of farmers’ grain already loaded and shipped across Europe.

This has helped local growers reach overseas market and the momentum is continuing, with Gleadell this week loading 27,500t of feed wheat on the “MV Miedwie”, destined for Spain.

France in particular, but also other EU countries, has suffered from poor yields this season as cool, wet weather has impacted on yields and undermined quality. Whilst the UK has seen wheat yields fall back to the five-year average, the quality so far is good and this should provide export opportunities this campaign.

UK farmers planted 34% of the wheat area with Group 1 and Group 2 varieties this season, producing a surplus of quality wheat, which could go to market outlets opened up by the disastrous harvest in France. For example, France traditionally sells a significant volume of different milling grades to North Africa, but this year buyers will be forced to look at alternative origins, one of which will be the UK.

Paul Dowson, Gleadell’s East Anglian wheat trader said: “We are seeing overseas interest and are hopeful that the port will enjoy another busy season loading all grades of grains and oilseeds, providing marketing opportunities for local farmers.”