The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) released its 2026–27 Recommended Barley Varieties List today to support growers as they plan for the 2026 season.
The Recommended Barley Varieties List shows where growers and end-users are aligning as the market evolves. AAC Synergy remains the leading variety, accounting for 35 per cent of seeded acres in 2025 and maintains broad acceptance among maltsters and brewers. Newer varieties like AAC Connect and CDC Fraser are gaining traction with growers and processors seeing strong performance and long-term supply potential. With growing interest in newer varieties, CDC Copeland—the oldest variety on the list—continues to decline. The CMBTC develops the list with input from maltsters, brewers, exporters, seed companies and growers.
“Each of these varieties perform well and support Canada’s value proposition as a reliable supplier of high-quality malting barley and malt,” said Peter Watts, managing director of the CMBTC. “As newer varieties come forward, we work with the industry to understand how they perform from field to brewhouse.
As the industry sees promising results from newer varieties, a balanced approach remains important. Supply and demand need to move together, and that depends on clear signals across the value chain, explains CMBTC Chair Jon White. “New varieties give our industry the chance to strengthen supply, improve quality and stay competitive. When growers, breeders and end-users move together, we set the stage for long-term success.”
Growers planning for the 2026 season should check with their grain buyers or malt barley buyers to ensure their variety choice aligns with market opportunities. Seed companies and seed growers can also provide insights into how new and established varieties perform in each region. This coordination helps the sector move forward together as newer varieties gain traction.
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