The economic incentives offered by the EEC Common Agricultural Policy, coupled with the availability of new technology, have greatly stimulated the production of wheat in member states both in terms of the area grown and the yield of grain per hectare. Taking the UK, the wheat area has increased from 0.8 M ha in 1970 to 1.96 M ha in 1984, and the yield per hectare from close to 4 t ha−1 to 7.5 t ha−1 in 1984. Similar increases in yield have occurred in France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. The EEC is now a net exporter of wheat and is in competition with lower-cost producers. Clearly, in breeding new varieties emphasis needs to be given to improved quality to make the product more attractive to purchasers. To reduce production costs, increased resistance to pests and diseases is needed. However, as long as land prices remain at their present level in real terms, farmers will also be able to reduce unit costs of production as or more effectively by growing higher yielding varieties. Thus there will remain the incentive for breeders to produce higher yielding varieties. In summary, therefore, breeders’ broad objectives are not likely to be influenced substantially by the level of production of wheat in the countries of the EEC.

Numerous non-traditional uses for wheat grain and for wheat straw have been suggested. These outlets will gain acceptance in the long term only if they are economic in comparison with competing products. It is beyond the scope of this report to assess these issues.