Malt growers cannot be 'pawns in a game of chess'

A frank exchange of views was reported to be had between the Irish Farmers’ Association and Boortmalt this week according to IFA grain chairperson John Murphy.

Top of the agenda was the loss of the Boortmalt malting barley contract at Stradbally Town and Country impacting over 200 growers.

Murphy commented: “We pointed out that whatever commercial issues there are between Boortmalt and Stradbally Town and Country, it is the local farmers in the firing line.”

In a statement the IFA said that “Boortmalt were clear that they wanted to intake malting barley from all growing regions, including Laois. Boortmalt also committed to taking the Laois winter malting barley crop that is already in the ground for harvest 2026.”

It is not clear where this would be delivered, but it is thought to be a relatively small amount.

It is understood that Stradbally Town and Country have met with Boortmalt and are in talks.

Boortmalt also met specifically with IFA representatives from Co Laois. Laois IFA chair Henry Burns said Boortmalt must find a workable solution for growers in Stradbally.

“Stradbally is at the heart of malting barley growing for generations. They [growers] cannot be cast aside like a pawns in a game of chess."

“The sowing season is rapidly approaching, farmers need a solution as a matter of urgency and fairness,” Burns said.The IFA’s malting barley committee also discussed fixed price offers, the market outlook and grower communications with Boortmalt.

A fixed price offer is to be presented to the merchant network shortly and it was noted that due to the poor demand for distilling barley only brewing contracts were on offer this year.

Murphy added: “Boortmalt also acknowledged that more transparency is needed in its communication with its supply chain network. This must be followed through because the current method of communication is not working.”

Background

Almost three weeks ago this paper broke the news that the Boortmalt malting barley contract at Stradbally Town and Country had been cut.

Over 200 growers supply malting barley to Stradbally Town and Country and many of those suppliers have been delivering malting barley since that intakes foundation in 1873.

Last week Willie Aird TD for Laois wrote to Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Diageo asking them to intervene.

In recent weeks, partial contract cuts are reported to have taken place at all malting barley intakes for Boortmalt.