A NORTH Yorkshire barley merchants has taken the unprecedented step of starting to supply brewers direct with quality malting barley.

Historically the job of the malting, Isaac Poad and Sons, based in Cattal, near York, has decided to seize the initiative by establishing a grower to brewer contract.

It is believed to be the first of its kind and secures locally grown malting barley for exclusive use to individual independent breweries.

Simon Cockerill, managing director, said: "With standard malt prices on the floor at present, it seems unlikely that, post CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), many farmers will entertain growing winter malting barley this coming season.

"By approaching brewers direct we are able to promote the quality of barley traded by ourselves and commit to using locally produced barley malt.

"This in turn allows us to link specific growers to the production of the barley which ensures our farmer customers have a known, long-term and profitable market for specialist malting barley."

The first brewery to enter into the agreement was York Brewery which will be using Halcyon Malt in their award winning Yorkshire Terrier and Centurions Ghost brews.

The barley, to be produced on local farms, will be malted by the Yorkshire maltings of Thomas Fawcett & Sons, and then supplied.

Mr Cockerill added: "As our company has been trading malting barley for approaching 150 years, we felt we needed to protect our farmer customers.

"Some of the contracts offer them in excess of £115 per tone, a staggering 35 per cent premium over standard malting barley.

"This is a win-win contract for all four parties concerned, our growers will receive a good price in the future, our maltster customers secure long-term supply agreements, the brewery is able to promote full traceability, and we as a company are helping to protect the long term viability of winter malting barley production within the UK."

Updated: 10:25 Wednesday, July 27, 2005