Wheat is one of the most common crops in the world, with millions of hectares planted every year. But despite its popularity, it’s also one of the most overlooked commodities in the market.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how and why the wheat rapidly falls from view.

1. Global Market Trends Affecting Wheat

One of the main reasons why wheat falls from view is due to global market trends. Wheat is a commodity that is heavily influenced by supply and demand, and market-related factors often dictate its price.

For instance, the rise of Asia has led to a significant increase in demand for wheat as people in these regions embrace a more Westernized diet. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the demand for livestock feed, and wheat is one of the primary ingredients for this.

Meanwhile, new regulations on genetically modified crops and free trade agreements also affect the supply and demand of wheat on a global scale.

2. The Rise of Alternative Grains

Another reason why wheat is slowly falling from view is that other grains are rising in popularity. For instance, quinoa, a gluten-free grain, has seen a dramatic increase in demand in recent years.

People are now looking for more nutritious and healthy alternatives to wheat, which is heavily processed and has relatively few nutrients. Other examples of alternative grains are spelt, millet, and amaranth, all of which have gained attention in the health food market.

3. The Emergence of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Plant-based meat alternatives have also contributed to the decline of wheat consumption. These alternatives are made from protein sources such as peas, soy, and wheat gluten.

Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are gaining popularity among consumers who are turning away from meat consumption due to health considerations, climate change, or concerns about animal welfare. As a result, wheat-based meat analogues such as seitan are becoming less popular.

4. Consumer Perceptions of Wheat

Consumer perceptions of wheat also contribute to its fall from view. For a long time, wheat was considered a dietary staple, and it was present in every household’s pantry.

But with the rise of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, many people are now avoiding wheat-based products. Gluten-free options are widely available, and consumers are becoming more informed about the benefits of avoiding wheat. As a result, many people now perceive wheat as an unhealthy food source.

5. Farming Struggles

Finally, farming struggles have also contributed to wheat’s fall from view. Wheat is a relatively difficult crop to grow, and it requires specific soil and weather conditions.

In recent years, climate change has caused the weather to be more unpredictable, and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts can have a significant impact on wheat crops. Additionally, the cost of producing wheat has gone up, and many farmers are struggling to make a profit. These challenges are leading some farmers to switch to other crops or leave agriculture altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wheat is a crop that is rapidly falling from view due to a variety of factors.

Global market trends, the rise of alternative grains, plant-based meat alternatives, consumer perceptions, and farming struggles have all contributed to the decline of wheat consumption. While wheat will likely remain a staple crop in many regions of the world, its prominence in the global market is increasingly uncertain.