A gap has formed in agronomic research for barley, says a prominent industry voice. Pondering the problem, SaskBarley research extension manager Mitchell Japp recalled a Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture program, which established a five-year organic farming chair position to address that area’s own gap.

Canadian feed and malting barley enjoy a global reputation for superior quality, with the latter well known for its excellent performance in processing and positive contribution to sensory properties in beer such as flavour. With prohibitive Chinese tariffs on Australian barley imports from the spring of 2020 to the summer of 2023, China’s demand for Canadian barley rose significantly during that time.