Winter Malt Barley Production and Market Development in the Mid-Atlantic USA.

According to the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, the number of craft breweries is expected to increase by 50% over the next five years.  In order to supply this industry with quality raw materials, and to produce as much of this raw material in Virginia as possible, an investment is needed in malt-type barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production research and extension.  Cultivar evaluations and studies of cultivar-by-management interactions have been conducted to develop extension recommendations considering both barley yield and end-use quality.  Cultivar development through traditional breeding and marker assisted selection is ongoing.  Extension programs are focused on understanding the needs of the brewing industry and supplying quality raw materials to that industry.