End of an era for Guinness in Laois to hit growers and local business

Laois farmers have been left in limbo, and a local business is facing a loss of trade after a decision by a global company that supplies grain to Guinness not take accept malting barley assembled in Stradbally at harvest time.

Boortmalt describes itself as a "global malting company" with 27 malting plants, one of which is located in Athy. Their clout with farmers in Ireland rests in their contract to supply the key ingredient Diageo needs to brew Guinness in Dublin and shortly at a giant new brewery in Kildare. 

However, Boortmalt has decided to cut ties with Stradbally Town and Country, which heretofore assembled and dried malting barley for Boortmalt, which then processed it before supplying it to Guinness and the distilling companies.

Boortmalt stopped dealing directly with farmers in recent years, instead opting to agree contracts with third parties who, in turn, agree supply contracts with growers.

Martin McDonald, manager of Stradbally Town and Country, outlined the decision and the implications in a letter to about 200 growers in Laois in recent days. 

"I’m very disappointed to have to tell you that we will not be in a position to offer you a malting barley contract for the coming year. This is because Boortmalt have not allocated any malting contract tonnage to Strawchip/Stradbally Town & Country for next harvest," he said.

He informed growers that the quality of the crop was not the issue.

"This decision is cloaked by confidentiality clauses. However, let me assure you that it was not because of any lack of quality of the barley delivered by Stradbally growers, nor indeed, was it because of the way it was handled by us. Boortmalt need to clarify this.

"This move leaves the malting barley growers of County Laois, who have historically been the cornerstone of the malting industry, without a local outlet for their barley. The decision makes even less sense from a sustainability perspective given that a large proportion of Boortmalt’s barley is now coming to Athy from Wexford, Cork and even farther afield.

"Personally, I am very saddened at this outcome, as a lot of time, effort and indeed, money has been invested to procure
quality malting barley over the years. Moreover, I am disappointed for you the grower, who it seems has been left high and dry," he said.

Mr McDonald also explained the historical significance of what has come to pass.

"It means that for the first time in over 150 years, there will be no barley malt, made from barley assembled in Laois, going to Guinness’ Brewery.

"Most of your families have been growing malting barley for generations. You are the traditional malting barley growers of County Laois. Great emphasis is placed on heritage and tradition by Diageo in their marketing of the Guinness brand throughout the world. Unfortunately, it seems not to have made any difference in this case," he said.

He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the business would be impacted but would continue to accept other grain and crops.

The move has caused upset in farming circles and fears that the already underfire tillage sector will take another hit. Clive Carter is the secretary of the Irish Grain Growers. Mr Carter farms on land in Ratheniska that has hosted the National Ploughing Championships.

"It is the farmer that is going to suffer. The general farmer is not going to have a depot to bring to locally. Farmers may get a contract with another depot but some farmers won't have this option," he said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Laois farmer and former Irish Grain Growers Chairman Bobby Miller with the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Clive Carter, Irish Grain Growers, Secretary, at the association's 2025 AGM in Portlaoise. Pic: Denis Byrne 

He said malt barley has been a valuable option and incomes would be hit, especially in Laois, where the conditions favour the growing of malting barley.

He said it is very disappointing for farmers who may not feel 'stranded' having had to 'jump through a lot of hoops' over the years to meet Boortmalt's changing requirements. 

He also took issue with the timing of the move by Boortmalt, given that farmers are getting ready for the sowing season but have no contract with a supplier. 

READ ALSO: Memory Lane - Laois shines at the Ploughing

Mr Carter expects Laois farmers to leave the tillage sector in what is another blow to the smallest part of agriculture in Ireland.

"It's a massive blow. We are taking blow after blow over the last couple of years and this is another one. You have to wonder how many blows the tillage sector can take because people are leaving in their droves," he said.

Mr Carter said the move was raised with the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, at the Irish Grain Growers AGM this week.

It's understood that farmers who wish to continue growing malting barley will not have to be offered contracts by a large grain merchant that is located close to the Boortmalt processing plant in Athy.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live has sought commented from Boortmalt and the Department of Agriculture.