Grant aims to spur brewers to buy local
September 12, 2011
Massachusetts beer brewers are getting an $11,000 boost from the federal government. The grant received by the state from the US Department of Agriculture will help beer makers and farmers by increasing the use of local ingredients by craft brewers. State officials will examine demand, coordinate educational sessions, and promote the use of ingredients grown on Massachusetts farms. Scott Soares, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, said the ingredients go well beyond barley and hops, including cranberries, pumpkins, honey, maple syrup, herbs, and even oysters. (AP)
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/09/12/grant_aims_to_spur_brewers_to_buy_local/?p1=Local_Links
Thoughts: I believe this aid will help several small brewer's and inevitably will create more jobs. Craft breweriers in US have seen sunstantial growth the last 25 years, growing from less than 15 breweries (1985) to currently close to 2,000 (1,800) in 2011. Growing at a pace of nearly 200 breweries a year, even in a double-dip recession. Now I understand for small government people this pint might be too heavy to chug down, but it's more frugal and productive than a corporate farm subsidy (20 billion in 2011, going to top 10% farmer earner's). Plus it's more organic, tastier, and leaves you with a buzz while giving you the ethical smuggness of buying local.
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