Iraq closes 2026 wheat procurement season at around 4.8 million tonnes

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Trade Minister Athir al-Ghariri announced on Tuesday that the 2026 wheat procurement season has concluded, with deliveries from farmers reaching approximately 4.8 million tonnes at ministry warehouses. Speaking in a televised statement, the minister said the Trade Ministry is continuing processing of farmer payments for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and that a new payment tranche will be launched in the coming days. He added that the country's wheat food security is fully secured until the next season. On wheat that could not be received in some governorates under the agricultural plan or outside it, the minister said inter-provincial transfers will be opened, allowing farmers to sell and transport their produce in local markets. He also noted that once local needs for the next season are calculated, any surplus quantities will be assessed for potential export.