We’re proud to launch a 5-year cover crop trial with Balgonie Estates and clients of Kingdom Farming— our trusted barley and rye supplier in Fife — and Muntons, our forward-thinking maltster.

“It is fantastic to be able to work with InchDairnie on this cover crop project. It will allow us to integrate cover crops into our rotation over the next 5 years, allowing us to see the benefits to our farming system. We have grown small areas of cover crop over the last two seasons, and believe they can have some big benefits, however, getting them to establish in Scotland can have its challenges, due to the short growing season. With the support from InchDairnie and Muntons we have found a place for them in the cropping rotation which allows them to be established in early August, whilst growing two crops of malting barley for InchDairnie.”

Balgonie Estates, Kingdom Farming

Why this matters

Whisky is created using just three core ingredients — cereals, yeast, water. Cereal production is therefore a cornerstone of whisky production.

Malted cereal is one of the most significant elements of our carbon footprint at InchDairnie Distillery. Therefore, we’re looking at how practical changes in farming can support resilient, high yield cereal production with a lower environmental and carbon footprint.

Fife Grown, Fife Distilled and Fife Matured

The Fife region has a rich agricultural heritage and a unique climate. Our motto of ‘Fife Grown, Fife Distilled, Fife Matured’ is a statement of our commitment to Fife, and the belief that whisky should reflect its origins. That’s why we’re supporting initiatives that strengthen our local cereal supply and contribute to agricultural research in Fife. These initiatives are also important for broader learning in Scotland.

Why Cover Crops?

Cover crops are plant mixtures (e.g., clover, radish, phacelia, etc.) that are sown between main crops, not for the objective of harvesting but to help the soil, instead of leaving it bare over the winter.

Cover crops are gaining attention across the UK for their multiple potential benefits, including improved soil structure, increased organic matter and yield, retained nutrients, reduced soil erosion, reduced nutrient and chemical runoff, and reduced reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilisers. Trials across Scotland, including in Dundee, East Lothian, and right here in Fife, have shown some promising results.

“Muntons is pleased to support a collaborative partnership with InchDairnie Whisky and Kingdom Farming for a five-year trial aimed at enhancing regenerative farming practices of malting barley. This initiative will focus on the use of cover crops and water management techniques. The partnership is expected to showcase the positive impact of these targeted practices on crop yield, farm sustainability, and overall benefits to the supply chain.” Muntons