Malting Barley Surcharge Should be Removed – IFA

Following a meeting with Boortmalt this morning, IFA National Grain Chair John Murphy has said that he has asked Boortmalt to remove the €10/t surcharge on malting barley purchased in 2026.

Mr Murphy said current low moisture levels in the crop significantly reduce the cost of handling malting barley fully justifying removal of the surcharge

“Growers are delivering barley well inside spec and at low moisture levels. This gives justification for removing the blanket surcharge to grain that now requires little or no drying,” he said

“The shift upward in grain prices over the last couple of weeks has pushed Irish feed barley prices into a more positive space. FOB Creil malting barley prices have also gained in recent weeks but not enough to offset the much lower prices recorded at the start of the price averaging period in April and May,” he said.

“This means that the premium between malting barley and feed barley is potentially very small in 2026,” John Murphy said.

“The FOB Creil market has delivered satisfactory premiums, averaging in excess of €50/t for Irish malting barley over Irish feed barley since its first use as a mechanism in 2019; therefore, to see the gap narrow so significantly in 2026 is very disappointing for growers,” the chair continued.

“Tillage incomes are set to take another battering in 2026 owing to significant increases in fertiliser, fuel, and land rent. When moderate spring barley yields are factored in, the economic situation is extremely bleak, and many will be strongly questioning the future for growing grain in Ireland,” John Murphy said.

Removing the €10/t charge in 2026 would be a significant financial help to tillage growers and show a strong commitment from Boortmalt to Irish farmers during this very difficult time for the sector, John Murphy concluded.