Barley Growers Meet in Washington, DC

Barley Growers Meet in Washington, DC

Russell Nemetz
Russell Nemetz
The National Barley Growers Association (NBGA) – whose members include growers, brewers, maltsters, and life science companies – met for their annual winter board meeting in Washington DC Feb 6-8, 2019.

NBGA members also met with their congressional representatives to advocate for their policy priorities, including passage of the US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), lifting of the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs, permanent beer excise tax reform, and funding for the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative as well as the Small Grains Genomic Initiative.

U.S. barley acreage has declined to record low levels the last couple of years, and the NBGA has been highlighting the fact that it is the main ingredient for making beer, but that it does have to be grown or there will be supply problems, hence the slogan, "No Barley, No Beer."

The Beer Institute and NBGA hosted a "Barley, Brews, and Boots" reception for members of congress and their staff, which has become an annual event. Dale Thorenson, NBGA Secretary/Treasurer, noted that "this reception has become a favorite of staff, in that they get to taste a number of popular beers while learning the importance of barley to the brewing process." Also shown at the event was a video produced by NBGA explaining where beer comes from (http://national-barley.com/no-barley-no-beer/) The event was held in the Rayburn House Office building and drew nearly 500 participants.

Previous ReportMattel Releases Farming Barbie Doll
Next ReportFFA Members Celebrate Agriculture and Leadership During National FFA Week