Carlow hotel set to host emergency meeting of malting barley growers from across the region

Malting barley growers from across the region are being urged to attend an emergency meeting in Carlow tonight.

The IFA has organised the gathering at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel following a breakdown in talks with Boortmalt.

They say growers are facing deep concerns over margins for 2026, noting that the price of feed barley is now matching or even exceeding malting barley.

The union has slammed a condition from Boortmalt demanding that representatives sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before meeting, preventing them from reporting back to members.

The IFA has also confirmed that its President Francie Gorman will attend tonight’s meeting.