Business

Pioneering the "U.S. Farmed" Initiative: Anheuser-Busch Sets a Sustainable Standard

ST. LOUIS, March 27, 2024 (PRNewswire) - In an unparalleled move to foster American agricultural excellence and sustainability, Anheuser-Busch has unveiled the nationwide expansion of its groundbreaking "U.S. Farmed" certification and emblem. This innovative seal, showcased on a number of the company’s leading beer brands, stands as a testament to their commitment to supporting U.S. farmers, including the diligent agricultural community in Oregon, which generated an impressive $6.8 billion from farm sales in 2022. Formulated and validated by the American Farmland Trust (AFT), an esteemed national nonprofit championing the continuity of American farming, the "U.S. Farmed" certification and its corresponding packaging seal serve as a beacon for consumers to identify and select products sourced predominantly—95 percent or more—from American farms.

Anheuser-Busch, with its revered history and enduring support for American farmers, annually invests over $6 million into Oregon's hops farms—significant contributors to the iconic flavors of Budweiser, Bud Light, and Busch Light. Consumers in Oregon now wield the power to actively support U.S. farmers with each purchase of "U.S. Farmed" certified products, nurturing domestic ingredient sourcing and ensuring the longevity of a vibrant, flourishing agricultural sector across America. The illustrious seal will debut on Busch Light packages in May, followed by Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob ULTRA, which have all attained the "U.S. Farmed" certification.

A National Campaign: Choose Beer Grown Here

Anheuser-Busch encourages entities within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry to partake in this commendable initiative by obtaining the "U.S. Farmed" certification for their American-sourced offerings. AFT plans to employ funds accrued through these certifications to broaden their programs and offer farmers across the nation invaluable resources and professional guidance—at no expense—to uphold and enrich their farmlands. The collective strength of the CPG industry, united under the "U.S. Farmed" certification, has the potential to profoundly magnify the support for American agriculture far beyond the capabilities of a single corporation. As part of this collaborative endeavor, Anheuser-Busch spearheads the campaign "Choose Beer Grown Here," explicitly encouraging shoppers to seek out products adorned with the "U.S. Farmed" logo and certification.

A Heritage of Quality and Commitment

Brendan Whitworth, Anheuser-Busch CEO, remarked with pride, "American farmers are this nation's very sinew, and Anheuser-Busch has maintained deep roots within the U.S. agricultural community, steadfastly committing to high-caliber ingredients from American farmers for over 165 years—we’re built on that heritage." Whitworth highlighted that almost all components of their iconic American beers are sourced from hardy U.S. farmers, many of whom have been associates for multiple generations. With the establishment of the "U.S. Farmed" certification, Anheuser-Busch’s dedication heightens to new echelons, with the company leading the charge to secure the future of U.S. agriculture—a linchpin of the economy. They eagerly anticipate like-minded companies rallying to obtain the "U.S. Farmed" seal for their products, amplifying their collective impact in showing solidarity for American farmers.

Addressing Challenges in American Agriculture

The timing of the "U.S. Farmed" certification couldn't be more critical. According to the AFT, America is on the cusp of a monumental land shift, with over 30 percent of our agricultural acreage predicted to transition ownership due to the looming retirement of the current generation of farmers. Concurrently, the loss of farmland endangers our agricultural infrastructure, and prospective farmers endure the struggle of acquiring sufficient capital to break into the farming industry. The "U.S. Farmed" certification confronts these challenges by offering Oregon growers, and their counterparts across the nation, direct assistance to explore options for preserving and protecting farmland and innovative approaches to pass their legacy on to future generations of farmers.

Envisioning A Future for American Farms

Beth Sauerhaft, PhD, Acting President and CEO of AFT, expressed profound enthusiasm over the certification's launch. "For more than 40 years, American Farmland Trust has championed the mission to keep agricultural lands devoted to farming and its soils rich and productive. With the "U.S. Farmed" certification, we embark on an audacious journey to secure the future of American agriculture, creating a movement and niche market that venerates and sustains our nation's farmers," Sauerhaft said. Each certification opens new avenues for farmers to access tools for successful farm succession planning, land protection, and other strategies vital for securing their land—a cornerstone of our food systems. Gratitude goes to Anheuser-Busch for bringing this significant certification to some of the nation's much-adored brands and effecting tangible change for American farmers.

Local Pride and Quality

Emphasizing the local significance of the initiative, Gayle Goschie, Owner of Goschie Farms, said, "We are thrilled to join forces with the American Farmland Trust and Anheuser-Busch to promote American-grown agriculture through the "U.S. Farmed" certification." She noted the importance of local sourcing in ensuring top-grade products and safeguarding the future of American agriculture. The "U.S. Farmed" seal assures that American farmers are equipped with the necessary support to protect and manage their farmlands effectively.

Adding to the local sentiment, Oregon State Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson acknowledged, "Oregon's farmers are the cornerstones of our state's lasting economic success, priding themselves on producing excellent crops. American Farmland Trust's "U.S. Farmed" certification is a forward-thinking measure, urging consumers to pick products that bolster Oregon farmers and sustain rural communities throughout America."

For further details on the "U.S. Farmed" certification, tools for American farmers, and product certification, interested parties are encouraged to visit American Farmland Trust.

To learn about Anheuser-Busch's enduring dedication to U.S. farmers, please visit Anheuser-Busch Commitment to U.S. Farmers.

ABOUT AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST (AFT)

American Farmland Trust is the preeminent national entity championing a comprehensive vision for agriculture, with an emphasis on the lands themselves, the cultivation methodologies employed, and the farmers and ranchers who do the labor. Pioneering the conservation agriculture movement, AFT has persistently engaged public consciousness with the mantra "No Farms, No Food." Since its inception in 1980, AFT’s efforts have culminated in the permanent preservation of over 7.8 million acres of farmland, promoting environmental farm practices on millions more acres, and assisting numerous farming families. To discover more, visit their website at farmland.org.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

Anheuser-Busch's mission is to brew a future that beckons more cheers. With a persistent quest to innovate, develop new ways to cherish life's milestones, propel the industry forward, and make a substantial difference globally, Anheuser-Busch aspires to a celebratory future that's shared by everyone. With a heritage spanning over 165 years, Anheuser-Busch continues its tradition of crafting exceptional, high-grade beers that have pleased generations of beer aficionados. Today, the company boasts a portfolio of over 120 facilities, from breweries and wholesalers to farmlands and packaging plants, and employs upwards of 18,000 individuals in the United States.

Home to revered brands such as Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Bud Light, the company also honors regional tastes with a range of premier craft beer selections. Whether it's promoting responsible drinking or providing emergency water supplies, Anheuser-Busch's enduring commitment to community welfare is at the forefront of its corporate ethos. For more information, including their efforts on sustainability and community programs, visit www.anheuser-busch.com. Follow their journey on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services demonstrates the vital role agriculture plays, as expounded in the 2022 Census of Agriculture found here: USDA Census of Agriculture.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch