Malting barley production has become unsustainable, warns IFA

THE production of malting barley, which is used for brewing and whiskey- making, cannot continue in Ireland as there is no profit for growers, the Irish Farmers’ Association has warned.

Its president Padraig Walshe said he has written to Paul Walsh, the London- based chief executive of Diageo, seeking an urgent meeting.

He said he wants to discuss the concerns for malting production in Ireland and find acceptable solutions to the challenges facing growers.