Anheuser-Busch Champions American Agriculture With U.S. Farmed Certification

In a significant move to bolster American agriculture, the American Farmland Trust (AFT) has introduced the U.S. Farmed certification and packaging seal. This initiative is designed to highlight products that are predominantly sourced from U.S. farms, with at least 95 percent of their agricultural ingredients originating within the country. Anheuser-Busch, a leading name in the brewing industry, has emerged as the inaugural company to embrace this certification for several of its beer brands, including Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob ULTRA.

The introduction of the U.S. Farmed seal is poised to change how consumers select and purchase domestically sourced products. It encourages shoppers to support local farmers and contribute to the sustainability of domestic ingredient sourcing. The certification not only benefits consumers but also offers a platform for other consumer-packaged goods companies to showcase their commitment to American agriculture.

Revenue generated from the certification process will aid AFT in its mission to provide comprehensive support to U.S. farmers. This includes expanding existing programs and offering free resources and expert advice nationwide. The timing of this initiative is critical, considering that over 30 percent of the nation's agricultural land may change hands in the next 15 years, posing a significant challenge to maintaining agricultural output and enabling new farmers to enter the industry.

Anheuser-Busch's decision to obtain the U.S. Farmed certification underscores its longstanding commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients from American farms, a practice spanning over 165 years. The company's leadership hopes that their participation will inspire other businesses to follow suit, amplifying the positive impact on American agriculture.

The "Choose Beer Grown Here" campaign led by Anheuser-Busch aims to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of selecting products with the U.S. Farmed seal. Beth Sauerhaft, AFT's president and CEO, envisions that this certification will open up new avenues for farmers to receive vital support in areas such as succession planning and land protection, thereby ensuring the resilience of the nation's food systems.

Feedback from the agricultural community has been overwhelmingly positive. Luke Adams, a third-generation barley farmer, expressed pride in being part of an initiative that champions support for farmers nationwide. Similarly, Peter Bachmann, CEO of the USA Rice Federation, highlighted the program's potential to accentuate the role of U.S. rice growers in strengthening the domestic supply chain and economy.

Anheuser-Busch's engagement with agricultural research organizations like the Hop Research Council further illustrates their dedication to promoting sustainable farming practices across the United States. The Hop Growers of America believe that initiatives like the U.S. Farmed program will empower hop growers to continue producing high-quality commodities recognized globally.

For more details on the U.S. Farmed certification and how it aims to support American agriculture while promoting environmentally responsible farming practices, interested parties can visit AFT's website or Anheuser-Busch's dedicated page on their commitment to U.S. farmers.