UK wheat exports slump to 1979 levels as rainfall hurts production

UK wheat exports probably will be the smallest since 1979 this season after soggy weather hurt production, while improving prospects for the next harvest mean shipments may rebound next year, the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board said.

Exports of wheat may plunge to 450,000 metric tons in the 2013-14 season that ends June 30, down 39% from the previous year, according to Department for Environment, Food and &Rural Affairs data.

Shipments haven’t been that low in about 35 years, said Charlotte Garbutt, board market specialist manager.