By Farms.com
Anheuser-Busch has partnered with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) to launch the U.S. Farmed certification. This initiative ensures that beverages like Busch Light, Budweiser, and Bud Light are made using predominantly U.S.-sourced agricultural ingredients, promoting domestic sourcing and supporting local economies.
The certification responds to the growing consumer demand for products that contribute positively to local communities and economies. It enables consumers in states like Kansas to make purchasing decisions that directly benefit U.S. farmers, with Anheuser-Busch purchasing substantial amounts of corn annually from Kansas alone.
The broader implications of this certification include bolstering the agricultural sector at a time when many U.S. farmers are approaching retirement, and significant amounts of farmland are at risk of being lost. AFT's involvement ensures that funds generated through this program help provide farmers across the country with access to vital resources. These resources are designed to assist with land access, protection, and transition planning, thereby securing a future for the next generation of farmers.
Anheuser-Busch's "Choose Beer Grown Here" campaign will further promote the U.S. Farmed seal, encouraging other companies within the consumer-packaged goods industry to join this effort. This collective industry support is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy and viability of the American farming sector.
Anheuser-Busch's CEO, Brendan Whitworth, emphasizes the company's deep roots in U.S. agriculture and its commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This new certification, according to Whitworth, is an extension of the brewer's long-term commitment to supporting the backbone of the country—the American farmers.