Changes to the 2017/2018 pricing arrangements with Boortmalt have resulted in lower deductions at prices below €175/t, a premium for distilling barley and a post-Easter start for the next agreement.

The tweaking of the two-year arrangement gives a price benefit to growers when the MATIF futures falls below €170/t and a reduced deduction up to €175/t. But deductions relative to MATIF still apply above €170/t.

At IFA meetings, it was revealed that the maximum protein level for distilling has been increased from 8.8% to 9.3%. However, many growers say that they will be unwilling to cut nitrogen levels unless they see a meaningful new distilling premium.

Transport is now to be paid from areas where depots have been closed and the depots in Tintern and Stradbally are to be reopened. This free ex-farm haulage is dependent on growers spending at least €50/ac (ex VAT) on agrochemicals.

Negotiations for the 2019 pricing are to begin after Easter.