IFA Secure Increase in Malting Barley Price for 2018

Following recent negotiations between IFA and Boortmalt, the malting company has agreed to top up the final malting barley price paid to growers for the 2018 harvest by €30 per tonne. There will also be a further additional payment of €10/t for distilling grade barley.

IFA Malting Barley Committee Chairman Mark Browne has acknowledged the move, saying that despite the negotiation of an improved deal in June, many growers had failed to cover production costs due to poor yields and quality issues arising from the lack of rainfall.

Mark Browne said that the due to the unprecedented weather conditions and lack of confidence in the sector among growers, IFA made a strong case to Boortmalt to consider these mitigating factors when settling the final pricing arrangements for the 2018 crop.

Finally, Mark Browne confirmed that the Committee is in the middle of negotiations for the 2019 crop which would be concluded as soon as possible to allow growers to finalise their winter and spring crop schedules.