The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) has recently announced its much-anticipated list of recommended malting barley varieties for the 2024-25 season. This guide is not just a mere list; it's a comprehensive insight into the best barley varieties as per agronomic performance, quality, and market demand.
Canada, known as a leading global exporter of malting barley and processed malt, continues to uphold its reputation for high-quality barley production. The list for 2024-25 includes AAC Synergy, CDC Copeland, AAC Connect, CDC Fraser, and introducing for the first time, CDC Churchill. These varieties are selected for their superior agronomics, quality, and market acceptance.
According to Peter Watts, Managing Director at CMBTC, newer varieties like AAC Connect and CDC Fraser are gradually earning their place in the malting and brewing industries. The acceptance of new varieties is a careful process, with end-users seeking assurance of compatibility with their production processes and end products, especially considering the impact on brewing efficiencies and sensory characteristics.
Jon White, the CMBTC Board chair, emphasizes the importance of balancing supply and demand. He points out that while new varieties show improved agronomics and disease resistance, proving themselves in Canadian fields, the supply needs to match the growing demand. This balance is crucial for cost-effective international sales and for encouraging producers to adopt new varieties.
The CMBTC is proactive in facilitating this balance. They work closely with end-users, providing detailed quality and performance data, and even support commercial trials of new varieties in export markets. This approach is aimed at speeding up the market acceptance of these varieties.
The 2024-25 list is unique as it also details the varying demand between domestic and international markets. This is particularly relevant as newer varieties are adopted more swiftly domestically, while older varieties maintain their place longer in international markets.
The CMBTC's list serves as an essential guide for producers planning their 2024 barley crops. It reflects the evolving preferences in the malting and brewing industries and Canada’s commitment to maintaining its premium position in the global barley market. This guide is a testament to the country’s dedication to innovation and quality in the barley industry.