Farming’s role in beer production should be celebrated, NFU President Peter Kendall told a Westminster audience at the launch of the new ‘Grain to Glass’ report at the end of last year.
The joint initiative with the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) demonstrates how the brewing supply chain contributes to economic growth and showcases how beer and pubs can underpin the rural economy and create much-needed jobs.
More than 100 MPs, Lords, barley farmers, hop growers, brewers, publicans and journalists attended a Westminster launch on November.
Speakers at the event included Peter Kendall, BBPA Chairman Ralph Findlay, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice and Molson Coors Supply Chain Director Lee Finney.
In the report foreword, Peter Kendall and Ralph Findlay set out their recommendation to shape a brighter future for farming, beer and pubs in rural Britain: “Beer and pubs are an essential part of what it means to be British. But the beer supply chain also plays an important economic role in providing jobs, adding value to farm crops and generating millions of pounds for the rural economy.
“This report sets out, for the first time, the scale of the interdependence from grain to glass and challenges policy makers to match the importance of the beer supply chain with actions to enable it to reach its full potential.
“If we want our countryside and rural communities to flourish then farming, beer and pubs must be at the heart of our economic growth strategies.
Barley grower and NFU regional combinable crops chairman Andrew Watts said: “It’s a marriage of skills between farmers, maltsters, brewers and publicans that produces the perfect pint from the perfect ingredients.
“It’s time to raise a glass to this British success story and ensure we have the right policies in place to ensure this supply chain thrives in the future.”
• Watch video of the Grain to Glass launch here.
• To see photos from the event please click here.
• Click on the following link to see a copy of the Grain to glass report
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