Grain moisture limit raised after wet harvest

By FWi Staff

MAFF plans to raise the maximum moisture content of grain sold into intervention after this years exceptionally wet harvest-time.

Maximum moisture content is to be raised from 14.5% to 15%, agriculture minister Nick Brown has announced: “We have monitored harvesting conditions closely this year and the levels of moisture in the crop are unusually high,” he said.

The Government has therefore decided to ask the European Commission to apply the higher moisture content level in the UK for this years crop. “I am sure this will be welcomed by the farming industry,” he said.

EU Regulations provide that the European Commission can authorise this increase in maximum moisture content if a Member State requests it. Seven other member states have already requested a 15% limit, which will apply from 1 November when the cereals intervention period begins.