One of the first GRDC funded barley varieties, Hamelin, is being received as malting quality in Western Australia, following two years of commercial testing and brewing trials.

Western Malting Barley Council (WMBC) Chairman, Steve Tilbrook said the malting classification was a significant step forward in the development, growth and marketing of high quality barley varieties for Western Australia.

“The upgrade is timely for growers planning next year’s cropping program.

“Hamelin is a medium maturing barley intended to replace Stirling as a malting barley option in medium and low rainfall areas,” he said.

Developed by the Department of Agriculture and the GRDC, with support from brewers, maltsters and the Grain Pool through WMBC, Hamelin meets specifications for the malting barley grade and should be well received by international markets, particularly China and Japan.