Barley, Brewers, and a bit of Whisky! Reflections from the Eastern Malting Barley Conference

Barley, Brewers, and a bit of Whisky! Reflections from the Eastern Malting Barley Conference

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By Diego Lucini de Ugarte (Group 56)

Last week, I had the privilege of attending Syngenta’s Eastern Malting Barley Conference 2024, held at The English Distillery in Norfolk. This event gathered industry leaders, farmers, and malt suppliers to explore the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities in malting barley production – a key ingredient in the thriving beverage industry.

The day was not just about gaining technical knowledge but also about appreciating how the agricultural supply chain intersects with exciting industries like brewing and distilling. Events like these remind us of just how diverse the agricultural industry is while reinforcing the vital role of collaboration and innovation in shaping a sustainable future — and getting that cold pint to your local pub!

A conference room setup featuring wooden barrels as decor, with a presentation screen at the front displaying "Eastern Malting Barley Conference" by Syngenta. Attendees are seated in rows of brown chairs, facing the screen, with banners promoting "SY Tennyson" and "SY Arrow" varieties of barley on either side. A decorated Christmas tree is visible in the background, adding a festive touch. A barrel in the foreground serves as a table with brochures and a QR code sign. The room has soft lighting, with wooden and industrial design elements.

Key Insights from the Conference

UK & European Barley Crops

The day began with industry experts sharing updates on malting barley crops across the UK and Europe. It was fascinating to learn how farmers adapt to weather challenges and disease pressures, ensuring crop quality and productivity despite increasingly unpredictable conditions. The resilience of growers and the supply chain highlighted the industry’s adaptability and the importance of understanding and optimising the supply chain.

Syngenta’s Innovative Barley Varieties

Syngenta’s Rob Jackson highlighted the performance of top barley varieties designed to meet the demands of both growers and maltsters. Maritime varieties like Laureate, dominating the spring barley market at 27%, and the newly introduced SY Arrow, showed the impressive strides Syngenta is making in enhancing yield, resilience, and dual-purpose functionality in the field.

This session underscored the intersection of Agri-science and consumer needs, a key takeaway as I consider supply chain management across sectors.

Crop Protection and Agronomy

In the agronomy session, Anna Murray from Syngenta emphasised the need for certainty in the field, introducing Miravis, a promising new fungicide designed to effectively combat cereal diseases. Miravis improves yields, maintains quality, and prevents disease spread in wheat and barley, highlighting the importance of powerful crop protection solutions for successful harvests.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a core priority, as demonstrated by Crisp Malt. Discussions on emission tracking tools, low-carbon fertilisers, HVO fuel, and regenerative practices revealed how the industry is working towards net-zero emissions, with Crisp Malt promising this by 2045. What stood out most was the debate among attendees – farmers, suppliers, and maltsters – about balancing environmental goals with economic realities. Hearing first-hand the challenges faced by growers reminded me of the importance of stakeholder collaboration and harmony in driving meaningful change for a greener future.

A Personal Reflection

As an MDS trainee, this event highlighted the diversity of opportunities within the agri-food supply chain. The beverage industry, in particular, stood out as an exciting avenue for growth and innovation. Seeing how malting barley bridges agriculture with consumer industries deepened my understanding of the science and supply chain dynamics behind malting, distilling, and alcohol production. It also reminded me of the “ground-to-table” process that drew me to this field in the first place. As a foodie, the prospect of contributing to quality dining experiences through these supply chains is both motivating and fulfilling.

One of the most eye-opening moments was hearing farmers’ frustrations in balancing sustainability with financial pressures. This highlighted the crucial role buying groups like The AF Group play in securing better prices and stability for farmers during challenging economic times. Collective procurement and strategic partnerships make the supply chain more resilient and help growers thrive.

A person stands outside "The English Distillery," a whisky distillery building in Norfolk, England. The building features a blue upper facade with "SHOP," "TOURS," and "TASTINGS" written in large letters, and "THE ENGLISH DISTILLERY" logo prominently displayed. Below, a sign reads "PIONEERS OF ENGLISH WHISKY." Large glass windows reveal the interior, showing whisky displays, Christmas decorations, and visitors. A wooden barrel sits in the foreground near a small landscaped garden. The person is holding a brown paper bag and is smiling at the camera.

Sustainability in Practice

The discussions on sustainability were equally inspiring. The industry’s commitment to ambitious environmental targets while maintaining productivity and supporting farmers highlighted the importance of aligning innovation with economic viability. These insights reminded me that as future leaders, we must advocate for solutions that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

Engaging with industry experts throughout the day also deepened my understanding of the importance of adaptability and collaboration. Translating technical insights into actionable strategies is a skill I’m committed to strengthening during my MDS journey, and events like these provide the knowledge and opportunities needed to develop leadership qualities essential for driving meaningful change.

The Beverage Industry: A Growing Opportunity for MDS?

The conference revealed the untapped potential for MDS trainees in the beverage sector. With its reliance on agriculture, focus on innovation, and commitment to sustainability, I believe this industry offers unique opportunities for future leaders. Expanding MDS engagement here could unlock exciting new secondment roles in procurement, supply chain management, marketing, and beyond – while contributing to high-quality products enjoyed worldwide.

A Day Full of Notes…

The day concluded with a tour of The English Distillery – a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Walking through the historic distillery and tasting their English Whisky was a reminder of the craftsmanship and dedication behind every product.

All in all, it was truly a day full of notes – both from insightful discussions and whisky tastings. Events like these are more than just learning opportunities; they are moments to connect, reflect, and envision the future of the agri-food supply chain. The final whisky dram left me inspired and motivated to bring these insights into my journey as a future industry leader.

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