Local Contractor Supports Local Firm

Broadland farming contractor MA Roper & Sons based at Fleggburgh have agreed to sign into the new ABC malting barley contract with Adams & Howling and Crisp Malting. The supply agreement starting from the 2007 harvest is for over 3,000tonnes of Winter and Spring barley and will last for 3 years.

Jonathan Roper, Director at MA Roper remarked “The 3 options we have available to price our Malting Barley are excellent, it gives us the flexibility to move grain directly by transport into local grain stores which is an added fuel saving. Additionally, the specification of only 80% top corn through the 2.5mm screen and upto 6% maximum on the 2.25mm without any allowances is certainly the best terms I have seen”.

Matthew Adams, Commercial Director at A&H said “Price is always important, but if you enter into a partnership were the Grower, Trader & Malster are all involved together in a partnership it must achieve a flexible balanced contract which will show a clear commitment to a locally supplied market. The ABC partnership allows us as a company to give the grower a more open trading relationship. The wide specifications on grain mean there are fewer claims, and also the potential for growers to gain premiums for higher quality barley”.

Bob King, Commercial Director at Crisp Maltings remarked “Jonathan Roper is exactly the type of Professional Malting Barley grower that Crisp Malting Group with to be associated with and we are very pleased that he recognizes what the ABC Group are doing to maintain the long term viable production of quality malting barley in Norfolk”.

Mr Roper added “The options available on the ABC contract cover every growers needs. A traditional flat price at a certain specification, a minimum price with additional bonuses for storage, moistures and market improvements”.

The ABC group still requires a limited volume of both Winter & Spring barley from growers prepared to commit a variable tonnage for 3 years. Growers who commit tonnages to the partnership will then be eligible for a loyalty bonus upon the successful completion of the 3 years. Other ABC grower opportunities are with Malting Soft wheat & Rye, which will be available throughout the year.