Growing of malting barley in Northern Ireland has returned to the cropping scene in recent years, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
There was a long period where little of the crop or none was grown since the closure of Ards Malting in the mid-1980’s. The crop has now come back to the region due to the offer of growing contracts for Boortmalt in Athy, Co. Kildare.
Business development group meetings were set up by Jim and Gareth Devenney of Agricare in Co. Donegal, who were acting as agents for Boortmalt in the North of Ireland, and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) crops development adviser, Leigh McClean.
The meetings provided opportunities for local growers to learn about the crop, with group sessions held in the north and west of the province. The crops were delivered to a central collection point in Co. Donegal post-harvest.
McClean then facilitated meetings between the company and growers in Co. Down. East Down Farmers co-operative were able to provide central handling facilities for the company making the malting barley crop an option for growers in the area.
Business development group meetings also provided an opportunity for growers to learn about the specific agronomic practices needed for growing a successful malting barley crop to meet the specifications.
To date all crops grown have met the specifications and plans are for a further area to be contracted for 2025 harvest.
This area remains similar to previous years due to some uncertainty in global whiskey markets because of recent trade tariff announcements, according to DAERA.
However, the department said there is “hope” that this will pass and there will be increased opportunities to grow for the malting barley market in the future.
