South African barley farmers are feeling the impact of the pandemic related alcohol ban, as demand for the grain used to make beer falls and stockpiles are building. It is forecasted that existing stocks (719,307 tons in December) are 50% higher than the year prior while the sale of alcohol remains prohibited. The barley planted in South Africa is mainly for malting (brewing) purposes and finding alternative markets for a surplus would be a financial hardship for farmers.
