Cereals; barley, other than seed

HS code 100390 covers barley, a cereal grain that is widely cultivated around the world. Barley is an important agricultural commodity, used for a variety of purposes including animal feed, malting for beer and whisky production, and as a food grain for human consumption. As a resilient and adaptable crop, barley plays a significant role in global food security and the broader agricultural economy.

The production of barley typically involves several key steps. Farmers begin by preparing the soil and planting the barley seeds, often in the fall or early spring. The crop is then carefully tended, with activities such as fertilization, weed control, and irrigation as needed. Once the barley has matured, it is harvested using specialized machinery like combines. The harvested grain is then cleaned, dried, and stored for further processing or distribution.

The main inputs required for the production of barley under HS code 100390 include arable land, agricultural equipment (e.g., tractors, combines, and irrigation systems), seeds, fertilizers, and labor. Barley production also relies on access to water resources and a suitable climate, as the crop can be sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and precipitation.

The primary output of HS code 100390 is the barley grain itself, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Barley is a key ingredient in the production of 220300 malt beverages, such as beer and whisky. It is also commonly used as 100890 cereal grains, either for human consumption or as 230120 animal feed. Additionally, the straw and other byproducts of barley production may be used for 140490 vegetable materials and vegetable waste, such as animal bedding or biofuel feedstock.