The Malting Barley Committee has held its Spring 2025 meeting to discuss the progress of new varieties within the testing system, and to review the commercial position of existing approved varieties.

The outcome is that Diviner remains at Provisional Approval 2 for Malt Distilling use. LG Aquarius and Bounty were moved to Provisional Approval 2 for Brewing use. Belter and Olsen were moved to Provisional Approval 2 for Brewing and Malt Distilling use.

Firecracker, Ptarmigan, KWS Enduris and SY Arrow were moved to Provisional Approval 1 for Brewing and Malt Distilling use. SY Signet was removed from the Approved List for Brewing use – withdrawn by breeder. Electrum was removed from the Approved List for Brewing use.

The association said in a statement published on its website: “Please note that the award of full or provisional approval to a variety does not infer immediate acceptance for use by all malting, brewing and distilling companies. Growers are advised to seek further information from their customers before sowing newly listed varieties.

“For regional and agronomic information on malting barley varieties the current AHDB Recommended List should be consulted: Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) | AHDB”

Photo Credit: Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain (MAGB)