Improved Oat Varieties: Advancing Yield, Quality, and Sustainability

Over the past 25 years, oat production in the UK has nearly doubled, thanks in large part to varieties developed by IBERS at Aberystwyth University. In 2024, over 96% of UK winter oat production came from IBERS-bred varieties — a testament to the impact of sustained research and breeding innovation.

Breeding for Performance and Quality

IBERS’ oat breeding programme combines genetic, physiological, and agronomic research to deliver high-yielding varieties with superior milling quality for both human and livestock consumption. The programme has developed both husked oats (traditional) and naked oats (hull-less) that meet the food needs of people and livestock alike.

Meeting Growing Demand for a Healthy, Versatile Crop

One reason for the rising demand for oats is their well-documented health benefits and versatility in meals, drinks and snacks. Oats are eaten as a whole grain, are an excellent source of protein and fibre, and are naturally gluten-free.

They also contain beta-glucan — a soluble dietary fibre proven to lower cholesterol and support coronary health — along with other bioactive compounds, including:

• Avenanthramides – polyphenols unique to oats with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Avenacosides – saponins with antibacterial and antifungal activity

Research also shows that oats can enhance immune function and improve gut microbiota. With consumer interest growing in alternative protein sources, oats are well positioned as a healthy plant-based option.

Environmental and Agronomic Benefits

Beyond nutrition, oats deliver wider environmental benefits in UK agriculture. They are an important break crop in rotations, helping reduce disease pressure and improve soil structure. Oats also promote biodiversity and make efficient use of nutrients, reducing the need for manufactured fertilisers.

However, to compete with other major cereals such as wheat and barley, oats must produce comparable economic returns. IBERS has addressed this challenge by breeding shorter-stemmed, high-yielding varieties with improved resistance to lodging in poor weather, combined with good nutrient use efficiency and disease resistance — traits that make oats both profitable and sustainable.

Varieties, Partners, and Future Directions

There are currently five winter and three spring oat varieties from IBERS on the 2024–25 AHDB Recommended Lists, marketed through our long-term partner Senova.

Ongoing work in oat breeding at IBERS is focused on:

• Increasing the speed and precision of the breeding cycle
• Enhancing grain quality
• Breeding for tolerance to drought, heat, and waterlogging — traits that will help maintain UK food security in a changing climate

By integrating long-term breeding expertise with scientific innovation, IBERS has helped secure the future of oats as a crop that supports human health, farm profitability, and environmental sustainability.

Download our full IBERS Impact Case Stories Booklet here: Innovations for a Changing World Case Story Booklet