When you think of beer industry employees, brewers and bartenders are likely the first folks that come to mind. But beer industry jobs aren’t limited to just your neighborhood taproom employees, or your favorite bartender at the local pub down the street. In fact, tens of thousands of beer industry employees are farmers. After all, beer is an agricultural product at its core.
The connection between beer and agriculture stretches back to the beginning of civilization. Archeological research suggests that the desire to brew beer drove our ancestors’ transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural societies.
The deep-rooted connection between beer and farming continues today. American farmers are the unsung heroes of countless industries, and beer is no exception. For the beer industry to thrive, farmers must be given the resources and support they need to prosper. And when it comes to supporting American agriculture in Washington, the Farm Bill is of paramount importance.
Although the 2018 Farm Bill officially expired on September 30, Congress included a one-year extension as part of November’s continuing resolution. While this ensures farmers can continue their vital work without disruption over the next year, Congress should waste no time in 2024 passing a new five-year package.
The Farm Bill is the linchpin of the nation’s agricultural policy and forms the foundation of the American beer industry. After all, the quality of a beer hinges on the quality of its ingredients – grains, hops, and a myriad of other agricultural components. Each type of beer owes its unique flavor profile to specific crops, including barley and other grains, and the diligently crafted varieties of hops that give each brew its distinctive aroma and bitterness. It is a complex formula of flavors, each requiring precise agricultural inputs to create the refreshing output so many of us love and enjoy.
In economic terms, the impact of the beer industry on American agriculture is substantial. The U.S. hops industry alone is valued at over $662 million, a clear indicator of its importance to the brewing industry.
But beer’s connection to agriculture goes beyond the basics of hops and barley. Large and small brewers alike use cranberries, herbs, honey, and even unconventional ingredients like oysters and spruce tips to craft a wide range of beer styles and flavors. This ensures there is truly a beer out there for everyone.
Today, over 8,000 breweries across the country offer consumers more than 20,000 beer options. This is only possible thanks to the nation’s vibrant agricultural sector. Because brewers rely on farmers to produce the varied ingredients that allow for this diverse array of beers, the brewing industry directly supports over 52,000 agricultural jobs across America. Moreover, breweries often locally source their ingredients, bolstering state economies and providing farmers with stable, reliable markets for their produce in the communities they call home.
While passing a new Farm Bill remains the most important way to support American agriculture, brewers are also stepping up with initiatives that directly benefit farmers. This support is not just financial; it often includes technical assistance, shared research on sustainable practices, and collaborative efforts to improve crop yields and quality. These range from funding agricultural research to developing new, hardier crop varieties to ensure sustainability in the beer supply chain.
This holistic approach underscores a deep understanding within the beer industry: that our product's quality and future are inextricably linked to the health and prosperity of the agricultural sector.
The bond between brewers and farmers is a relationship that has nurtured civilizations, powered economies, and built communities. For this age-old partnership to continue and thrive, policymakers must pass a fresh Farm Bill in the new year. The realities and challenges farmers face today are not the same as they were in 2018, and new legislation is needed to meet the moment.
Congress can ensure the connection between beer and agriculture remains strong by passing a new Farm Bill, guaranteeing that Americans can continue to enjoy the rich legacy of an ice-cold, artfully-brewed beer for generations to come.
Author Bio: Brian Crawford is president and CEO of the Beer Institute, America’s oldest national trade association representing the Beer Industry.
