All those in the distilling and brewing sector should “work strongly” to ensure barley growers get a “fair and strong price” and a “fair share of the overall value” for their grain, says Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue.

He said that Irish Farmers Journal analysis, which shows malting barley growers receive 1c from a €5 pint, shows that “stronger prices for farmers do not necessarily lead, in some products, to a significant change at the end price”.

“I think that provides capacity for strong prices to be paid,” the minister said.

Reflecting on the matter, he encouraged engagement between barley growers and purchasers of their grain.

Properly paid

“What’s important is that the work that people are carrying out is properly rewarded and properly paid [for],” he said.

He highlighted the role of his planned new office of fairness and transparency for the food supply chain in helping to build respect and improve relationships between barley growers and grain purchasers.

Minister McConalogue said the office will also have a role in “building an awareness with the wider public of the importance of a healthy and functioning supply chain” and how “producers need to be given a fair deal”.

“I think we need to see farmers be respected in the food production process and the malting barley and growing of the cereal for distilling is a strong part of our heritage and I would encourage that every step that could be taken obviously [is taken] to respect that and ensure that,” he said.

Boortmalt drying charges

Commenting on the €12.50/t energy surcharge imposed by Boortmalt on grain this year, he encouraged grain purchasers to give “fair play to primary producers” and said “it’s important that there is a fair way but it’s also a matter between both to try and reach that resolution”.

He added that “increasing and improving our tillage sector has to be a key priority for all of us”.