Patrick and Majella Cummins from Horeswood, Campile, were winners in the Malting Barley category at the Glanbia Grain Awards that took place in Kilkenny last Thursday.
Glanbia Chairman Martin Keane congratulated the suppliers whose excellence and attention to detail were recognised at the ceremony. “Grain farmers have had to contend with difficult weather conditions in recent years, and 2019 was no different. Yet, despite this, our award winners have continued to set high standards for others to follow.
“It is clear that the production of high-quality grains continues to be of paramount importance to our growers.”
Glanbia Ireland’s Director of Ingredients Aoife Murphy told the growers at the awards ceremony that the company has made significant investments in facilities and the marketing of native Irish grains in recent years.
“We are continuously looking at new opportunities to add value to grain and increase the premiums paid to growers for specific grains. The state-of-the-art food grade facility in Portlaoise has played a key role in producing a high quality and traceable product that offers a strong premium.
“Looking to the future our new €15m R&D centre in Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny will increase our capabilities, utilise synergies across the business and allow us to bring new products to the marketplace.”
Glanbia Ireland is the largest buyer and user of native Irish grains. Total grain intake for 2019 stood at 205,000 tonnes, almost 60,000 tonnes or 40% ahead of previous year. In addition, Glanbia Ireland will purchase in excess of 80,000 tonnes of dried grain from the 2019 harvest.
