Namibia Breweries has updated the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), on the progress of its barley feasibility study and the results of the first trials which commenced in June last year.

According to Wessie van der Westhuizen, the breweries’ managing director, the first trials delivered positive results with valuable insights into barley growing in Namibia. “We are not yet able to confirm which of the six varieties tested is most suitable to our climatic conditions and our brewing needs, as the results varied over the four different locations. However, I am pleased to confirm that the yield exceeded our expectations and that a next round of trials will be conducted to improve on the cropping regime and gather further data as part of the feasibility study.”
Van der Westhuizen also said that in addition to identifying the most suitable variety of barley and the ideal cropping regime, the feasibility study will also explore various malting options in determining the viability of a local malt barley industry. “Should we, with the support of our partners, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, be able to stimulate a successful barley malt industry in Namibia, this will provide numerous employment opportunities and secondary benefits to our country,” he said.
The trials will be repeated while incorporating lessons learned. An additional six hectares will be planted with the best variety currently in Hardap to be used for further processing and malting and consecutive brewing trials, if quality permits. The barley project feasibility study resulted from deliberations with Epia, the empowerment partners of the Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies in 2010, who were keen to explore the feasibility of growing brewing barley for locally produced beer.
Lead by NBL, with the support of the MAWF and with the technical expertise of Dr. Jorry Kaurivi, the first trials commenced on 17 June 2011 with the planting of six potentially suitable varieties in Omusati, Kavango, Oshikoto and Hardap. The first harvest was concluded on 24 November last year after which the grain was sent for various tests in Namibia and in Germany.