Higher target set for grain exports

By FW reporters

MORE than 3.5 million tonnes of UK grain will be exported in food and drink within three years, according to a new grower-funded body.

British Cereal Products, part of Home-Grown Cereals Authority Marketing, hopes to boost the consumption of grain-based added-value products, including meat, drink and cereal products, at home and abroad.

Its export target represents a near 10% increase over 1997 levels, and, combined with raw grain volumes, will push total grain exports to 9m tonnes, about 40% of UK output.

BCP, which takes over from HGCAs Food from Britain committee, will, like its predecessor, benefit from £1m of HGCA levy money. About 80% of that will help to fund new projects and promotions in the food and drink industry, the rest will cover staff and administration costs.