Barley growers seek better prices

MALSTERS, brewers and distillers were warned yesterday that they will no longer be guaranteed a secure supply of malting barley unless they pay growers a fair price.

Farmers have been growing and supplying barley for the production of malt to manufacture world renowned drinks for the last 200 to 300 years.

But the IFA Grain Committee Chairman Colum McDonnell said growers will switch to more profitable energy or alternative crop production if they can’t get a proper price for malting barley.