Farmers can benefit from the potential to expand the bean market, according to grain merchant Gleadell.

The amount of beans exported to Egypt by Gleadell this year has reached about 20,000 tonnes following the latest consignment to leave Immingham docks.

The UK’s first bulk shipper to transport beans into the Middle Eastern market in 2003, Gleadell exported 9250 tonnes of beans to Damietta last week.

Ian Skinn, Gleadell’s beans and pulse trader, said there is further potential to expand the market which has seen growers achieve premiums of £10-£15 over feeds in 2006.

Much of this year’s exports came from Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, as difficult growing commissions meant there was a mixed harvest, he added.

Another cargo is expected to leave for Egypt in January.