Recent hot and dry weather in Spain has opened the possibility of more imports to the region, creating opportunities for UK barley exporters.
According to AHDB, Spanish barley production is estimated to fall to 5.6Mt, the lowest level since 2005.
This is because of weather extremes the country has faced, namely hot and dry conditions.
Based on the trend seen in previous years, this could well lead to an elevated level of imports this season, including from the UK.
The AHDB said that there is a general trend between the level of Spanish barley output and imports.
But the UK feed barley prices will have to remain competitive in Europe.
According to Helen Plant, Senior Analyst at AHDB: "With 2017 barley output being estimated at just 5.6Mt last month by the EU Commission, this suggests that imports could be set to rise.
"Indeed, private forecaster Strategie Grains suggests the increase from 2016/17 import levels could be in excess of 50%.
"The UK has historically been a large supplier of barley to Spain – accounting for 28% on average of Spanish barley imports between 2011/12 and 2015/16.
"With a larger barley area planted in the UK, although subject to yields, quality and price, we could potentially see larger volumes of UK barley headed for Spain."
