RAGT has announced that spring malting barley variety Arrow has received full approval for malt distilling. The variety also progresses to Provisional Approval 2 for brewing use.
The company hopes it paves the way for an eventual dual-use approval if further testing is successful. Arrow originates from the successful Syngenta malting barley breeding programme, which developed leading dual-purpose varieties such as Laureate, and was acquired by RAGT last year.
Tracy Creasy, malting barley portfolio manager for RAGT, believes Arrow is set to follow in its footsteps by offering maltsters and distillers with another consistent product from UK farms. “We’re delighted that Arrow has secured full approval for malt distilling,” says Tracy. “Going forward, we are hopeful that Arrow will become a dual-purpose brewing and distilling malting barley that sits alongside Laureate on farm. In the meantime, farmers growing for the distilling market will be able to purchase Arrow for sowing next spring with a confirmed end market.”
RAGT managing director Helen Wilson says the acquisition of the mating barley programme from Syngenta is already beginning to bear fruit for RAGT. “It’s significantly added to what was already a strong programme, which produced varieties like RGT Planet,” she adds. “We have every confidence that Arrow will allow us to maintain our market leading position into the future.”
