Boortmalt has confirmed it wants to source barley in Wexford and Carlow through local merchants, replacing its direct purchase of grain from contracted growers. It’s a significant extension of a recent initiative.

Boortmalt said it “will now engage with selected third-party service providers” (also referred to as local supply chain partners) to fulfil the supply of quality malting barley from the Carlow-Bagenalstown area and the Cooladine (Enniscorthy), New Ross and Tintern area.

Boortmalt also confirmed the New Ross and Tintern sites are for sale.

IFA grain chair Mark Browne expressed concern. “It’s our understanding that although farmers’ contracts will be with the merchants, that price and other contract arrangements will be identical to growers contracted directly to Boortmalt, and such growers will be able to participate in forward selling offers but we want full negotations with Boortmalt on every aspect of these proposals.”