Boortmalt will meet with the IFA on Monday, March 13, to discuss malting barley prices for 2017, according to IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy.

“The meeting had previously been scheduled for this week, but was put back at the request of Boortmalt,” he said.

Kennedy envisages that the upcoming meeting will be part of a process, leading to an agreement on malting barley prices for the season ahead. But he would not commit on how long this negotiating process may take.

We will be negotiating on the basis of the current pricing model. It is a tried and tested formula and we will not be accepting any changes, which would reduce the premiums paid to malting barley growers.”

Kennedy added, “I am aware of grower concerns regarding the fact that contract prices have not yet been settled for 2017. It is a priority for the IFA to have this issue sorted out as quickly as possible.”

Kennedy confirmed that the IFA will host meetings for malting barley growers over the coming weeks.

“These meetings will take place when we have something of note to tell growers,” he said.

Also Read: Diageo seeks €1m worth of cuts in malt prices

Kennedy said that malting barley producers will be sowing out crops over the coming days.

“This is another reason why we need to meet Boortmalt as a matter of priority. Growers need as much certainty as possible when it comes to them pushing ahead with this year’s crops.”

Kennedy stressed that he saw no reason for Boortmalt not to stick with the current grower price model.

“Farmers that grow malting barley must receive an adequate premium. Our aim will be to secure this level of commitment from Boortmalt in the upcoming talks.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to have these matters sorted out as quickly as possible. But the reality is that malting barley is a premium crop and growers must be paid accordingly.”