03-05-2025
Norfolk's world-famous malting barley in the spotlight at county show
The story of Norfolk's world-famous malting barley will be highlighted to thousands of youngsters visiting the 2025 Royal Norfolk Show.
The crop - beloved by brewers, craft beer makers and whisky distillers across the globe - will be the central feature of the Discovery Zone when the show returns to the Norfolk Showground on June 25 and 26.
Norfolk processor Crisp Malt, based at Great Ryburgh near Fakenham, will help explain how the crop is grown, and its key role in food and drink production.
The exhibit is part of the 2025 show's central theme of "Celebrating Norfolk Food and Drink".
Mark Nicholas, managing director of show organisers the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), said: "Norfolk produces the best malting barley in the world, and that will be the theme for the kids going around the Discovery Zone.
"By the way, we are on course to exceed last year's number of school children visiting the show, it will be in excess of 12,500, which is quite extraordinary.
"We are working closely with Crisp Malt to deliver a really interesting showcase on how malting barley is grown and how it is used in food and drink production process."
The show's education offerings extend to the neighbouring STEMM Village, now in its third year, which will explore how science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine are influencing the global food chain.
From cutting-edge agricultural methods to advances in biosciences, engineering and clean energy, exhibitors will explain how their work is improving sustainability, nutrition, health and production.
Norfolk-based farming charity the Clan Trust has donated £10,000 towards this year's STEMM Village and Discovery Zone, which it says play an "important role in inspiring and educating the next generation about agriculture, science, and technology".
"Supporting the educational aspects of the show aligns with the Clan Trust's mission to encourage and inspire young people to pursue careers in agriculture and related industries," said a charity spokesman. "We believe that by investing in these opportunities, we can help secure the future of farming and rural life across Norfolk."
For more details and tickets see .
