Ireland: GLANBIA’s malting barley growers were toasted on January 26 for their contribution to the production of quality pints, Irish Examiner.com reported. At the presentation in Kilkenny of Glanbia’s overall malting barley grower of the year award to Wexford tillage farmers John and Emily Kehoe, of Killscanlon, Foulksmills, growers heard their success in growing high quality malting barley reflects the high level of traceability now required by the brewing and distilling industry.

Minister of State Liam Aylward, who presented the overall and regional awards, said quality and high standards are the cornerstones of the agriculture and food industry. He said consumers have a high level of awareness, not only about the final product, but also how that product is produced.

“This competition promotes an awareness by farmers of the benefits of a clean and healthy environment for producers and consumers alike,” he said. Glanbia chairman Tom Corcoran said the group is delighted to be associated with a scheme that rewards growers who produce their malting barley under a quality assured system with excellent crop husbandry and farm records.

In 2003, Glanbia handled 200,000 tonnes of grain at 41 grain intake plants in a catchment area stretching from Cork to Louth.

27 January, 2004