UK grain production expected to rebound

Grain production in the United Kingdom (UK) is forecast to increase by 9% over the previous year, largely driven by a partial recovery in wheat output, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

The FAS projects UK grain production to reach 20.9 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing year, up from last year’s total of 19.1 million tonnes. Wheat outturn is pegged at 12.8 million tonnes, returning closer to historical levels, after falling to 10.9 million tonnes in 2024-25. If realized, it would be a 17% increase over last year’s crop.

The decline in wheat production last year, which was the lowest total since 9.6 million tonnes were harvested in 2020-21, was due to low yields, lower planted area, and profitability concerns from farmers due to persistently low prices, the FAS said.

Barley and oats production is projected slightly lower in 2025-26, the report said.

UK grain producers are keeping an eye on legislation that would allow new gene-editing techniques to be used to develop improved crop varieties, including grain, the FAS noted.

“In 2025-26, the UK’s Precision Breeding legislation is expected to improve the crop varieties available for commercial use in England, which grows over 90% of all wheat in the UK,” the FAS said. “Multiple applications for precision-bred wheat varieties are under review with opportunities for boosting yields once authorized.

“There have been multiple applications submitted relevant for the sector, and first authorizations of these are expected in early 2025-26, and commercialization may begin shortly thereafter.”

Tags: grain, UK, wheat, crop forecast