Boortmalt remains set to reduce its intake of contracted malting barley this harvest.

It told the Irish Farmers Journal that the outlook remains uncertain, despite an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

This uncertainty in the overall market continues to cause a significant reduction in demand for malt, particularly for brewing. As a result, the volume of barley that Boortmalt expects to buy from growers remains in line with the indications given in April.

There has been growing frustration among malting barley growers at the lack of clarity around contract cuts.

Boortmalt said it continues to liaise with customers and stakeholders and has committed to informing its growers as soon as it has clarity on the revised demand for malt. No timeline was given, however.

Carryover stocks of malting barley are also higher than normal.