Boortmalt is broadening its growing area. With the expansion of its plant in Athy, Co. Kildare to go ahead this year, the company has been looking for new growers.

Current growers have the opportunity to increase their contracted area, while new growers have also been welcomed in the traditional areas that have supplied Boortmalt.

Aside from this, a depot is to be set up in Blackrock, Co. Louth this harvest. Growers have also been sought in Munster. The latest area to be targeted is Co. Donegal.

AgriCare Crop Specialists in Co. Donegal says that it is “proud to drive this exciting initiative, with the support of Boortmalt, to sustainably grow malting barley for the rapidly growing whiskey and craft beer industry in Ireland”.

The company has invited growers in Co. Donegal to “be part of an exciting opportunity to create history and help save the tillage sector in the north west”.

Information meeting

Anyone interested in growing malting barley in Co. Donegal is invited to attend a meeting in An Grianán Hotel in Burt, Co. Donegal on Thursday, March 8. The meeting will start at 7.30pm.

Guest Speakers on the night will be:
  • Tom Bryan – Malting barley technical manager at Boortmalt;
  • John Crean – Head of agricultural operations at Boortmalt;
  • Rick Le Vert – Founder of Kinnegar Brewing;
  • Martin McCullough – Environment and technology advisor.

To attend the event please register with Gareth Devenney at: 086-3261533; or Jim Devenney at: 086-2501638; or e-mail Gareth at: [email protected]