Laois farmer Eugene Ryan from outside Portlaoise has been announced as the winner of the inaugural Guinness Sustainability Award at the 2021 Irish Malting Barley Awards.
The annual awards, which have been run since 1954, acknowledge excellence in malting barley production as well as promoting sustainability in the supply chain.
Organised by Boortmalt, one of the largest producers of malted barley in the world, the awards are hosted by Diageo Ireland, the largest user of malting barley in Ireland.
Working in partnership to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and helping to create a more sustainable world, Diageo is committed to preserving the natural resources on which we all depend.
The winner of the overall prize for excellence in malting barley production, and with it the Guinness Perpetual Cup, were John and Thomas Finn from Athy in Kildare while Eugene Ryan was honoured in the new Sustainability category.
“I am absolutely delighted to receive this accolade for such an important subject,” said Eugene Ryan, who farms the mixed farm enterprise at Ballycarroll, between The Heath and the Rock of Dunamaise.
“Along with my family on the farm, we have been very conscious of the need to do all we can to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
“With each passing year, we learn something new, and I know that we will continue to adopt even more sustainable farming practices in the near future to ensure that we are playing our part in protecting the planet to the best of our ability”.
Martina Henry, Global Head of Regenerative Agriculture, Diageo said: “Sourcing both the right quality of grain, and grain that is produced in harmony with nature, is critical.
“The Irish Malting Barley Awards acknowledge excellence in our supply chain, and Eugene Ryan was chosen unanimously by the three independent judges as the stand-out winner of the Guinness Sustainability Award.
“We were impressed by Eugene’s thorough and thoughtful submission. It demonstrated a holistic farm management approach and a mature awareness of the complementarity and delicate balance of farm economics, community and environment.
“Eugene also demonstrated a clear dedication to pursuing activities that support the optimisation, rather than competition, of these interests.”
More than 130,000 tonnes of barley are grown by passionate farmers for use at St. James’s Gate each year, or 40,000 acres, which is the equivalent of 12,500 Croke park pitches.
The Malting Barley Excellence Awards bring together and recognise, the best growers from the main barley supply regions of Ireland and the best seed producers.
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