Wheat

Wheat is grown on a larger area worldwide than any other crop. In 2023 the Scottish area of winter wheat was estimated at 107,166 hectares, while global wheat production was 784 million metric tonnes.

Wheat is responsible for approximately 19% of the calories, and approximately 20% of the protein consumed internationally, making it one of the most important crops to be grown.

In Scotland, wheat production is primarily for feed for the livestock industry but some wheat is also grown for processing into the food sector, some is grown for seed and some is used for industrial processes such as the production of bioethanol.

Scottish wheat is usually a soft variety as the hard varieties used for milling and bread making are not well suited to the Scottish climate.