Glanbia rewards top grain growers
Group chairman Michael Walsh revealed the figure when he presented Wexford tillage farmer Joe Chapman of Ramstown House, Fethard-on-Sea with the overall award in Glanbia’s Quality Malting Barley Grower of the Year scheme in Kilkenny yesterday.
“The winners can feel justifiable pride in their achievement, not only having succeeded in producing malting barley to the highest standards, but for doing so in a commercially efficient and environmentally friendly way, during challenging times for farmers,” he said.
Mr Walsh said Glanbia is committed to quality initiatives to preserve and enhance Ireland’s reputation for excellent food and drink.
Dick Walshe, Malting Company of Ireland, said the standard of grain samples and farm records from the finalists reflects the commitment of growers to producing high quality malting barley.
“The standards achieved also reflect the high level of traceability now required by the brewing and distilling industry,” he said.
Glanbia announced that it plans to introduce a quality oats grower awards scheme in 2006 in addition to the malting barley grower awards.
Glanbia grain trader Marian Murphy said the company - through its Gain Horse Feeds business - is one of Ireland’s largest users of oats.
Regional quality malting barley grower awards were also presented to William Moore, Kyle, Durrow, Co Laois and John Miller, Ballymurphy, Conna, Co Cork.
