Grain farmers are questioning if Boortmalt is franchising the growing of barley to merchants operating intake depots for it.

Farmers are reporting that some or all of these intake points are offering farmers the opportunity to grow malting varieties directly for the merchants.

A pricing structure parallel to Boortmalt’s is being offered in some cases, complete with the €230/t autumn offer for 20% of total agreed tonnage.

There are also reports of a flat price offered to farmers, at just under €200/t.

This would be a better price than anything offered directly to contracted Boortmalt growers, as it would be at least €192/t in addition to the original €230/t. In addition, there are reports of “roasting” contracts for malting varieties at a premium of €10/t.