Barley Council

In consultation with stakeholders across the Western Australian barley supply chain, the GIWA Barley Council is responsible for preparing the WA malting barley variety receival recommendations. The WA barley industry supports a long-term strategy of segregating up to two malt barley varieties per port zone, occasionally three, while limiting segregation for minor, new, or niche malt varieties. This approach is designed to improve logistical efficiency by reducing storage and handling costs, simplifying bin-level segregation planning, and encouraging stronger trader demand by avoiding small, unsaleable parcels of grain. At the same time, maintaining a spread of malt varieties with differing agronomic and malting characteristics is essential. This diversity enables processors to blend malt according to specific customer requirements and helps growers manage agronomic risks across varying environments. The WA malting barley variety receival recommendations are intended to help guide growers and consultants in planning their barley programs one to two years ahead.

The Barley Council also hosts the annual GIWA Barley Forum for the WA barley value chain to discuss the latest developments in consumer preferences, marketing, malting, breeding, research, agronomy & extension, variety accreditation, standards and maximum residue limits. During the Forum, the Council presents the annual malting barley variety receival recommendations for endorsement by industry.