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If Boortmalt, Glanbia and Diarygold are serious about using Irish malting barley, they should offer a payment of €40 to €50 over feed barley.
That is according to Irish Grain Growers (IGG), which says it is necessary to show farmers there is confidence in the sector for the future.
IGG said the additional payment would go some way to resolving what it called a poor relationship between farmers and malting barley buyers.
They said it would be especially important given this year’s poor yields and the fact the current deal has seen many farmers sell their malting barley for feed as prices were higher.
Fixed 2019 price
IGG added the sale of Irish malting barley for feed has led to the importation of malting barley that may not have the same traceability standards.
It has called on one of the main buyers to offer a fixed price for 2019 that would incentivise farmers to remain in the sector, as they consider winter cropping options.
“This could allow time for farmers to rethink their cropping plan and may sway farmers back to the tradition of growing malting on their land," said a spokesperson.
"It would be an unprecedented move which farmers would welcome.”
IGG also said with the growth of Irish whiskey and the rise in craft brewing, it was time for all players in the industry to be rewarded and to work together to further push the industry on.
It posed the question if it was time for a forum on the matter involving all stakeholders.
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