Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) is a major cereal grain. Important uses include use as animal feed, as a source of fermentable material for beer and certain distilled beverages, and as a component of various health foods. It is used in soups and stews, and in barley bread of various cultures. Barley grains are commonly made into malt in a traditional and ancient method of preparation. There are approximately 62,400 acres of barley grown on PEI annually.