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Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild pitches 'ferment to feed' to recycle spent grain to farms
Summary
The Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild and its executive director described the industry's economic footprint and promoted a 'ferment to feed' program to direct spent brewing grain to livestock farmers; a legislator indicated he will carry related legislation.
Representatives of the Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild introduced their organization and highlighted the sector's statewide economic footprint. Jim Schmidt said the guild represents a growing industry that revitalizes downtowns and rural communities; Matt Altobel, the executive director, said there are 154 craft breweries in Tennessee and estimated the industry's economic impact at about $1.3 billion.
Altobel described the 'ferment to feed' program to incentivize donation of spent brewing grain to farmers and noted the material’s nutritional value: "For every barrel of beer produced, more than 65 pounds of grain can go directly to agriculture," he said. Senator Seal told the committee he will carry legislation related to the program. Guild representatives noted tax and regulatory burdens facing small brewers and discussed outreach to cideries and related producers.
