The National Barley Growers Association bestows Friend of Barley award to Beer Institute

Beer Institute President Joe McClain (right) accepts the Friend of Barely award from NBGA President Scott Brown.

Established in 1986, the Beer Institute is a national trade association for the brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. The Institute is committed to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility for all brewers. The institute is also a big backer of all things brewing, including ingredients like barely.

So much so that the National Barley Growers Association (NBGA) presented its 2013 “Friend of Barley” award to the Beer Institute. Beer Institute President Joe McClain accepted the award during NBGA’s summer board meeting in Las Vegas on June 12.

“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of America’s brewers and beer importers. From grain to glass, brewers work closely with barley farmers to give our consumers the very best beer we can,” McClain said. “Every year, U.S. brewers purchase 4.8 billion pounds of barley malt grown in just 12 states. It’s safe to say that our industries reply upon each other. After all, without barley, there would be no beer.”

The Beer Institute and its major member companies have partnered with the NBGA to work on common issues in both state capitals and in Washington, D.C. The United States is in the top ten of the largest barley producing countries in the world. In the 2012-2013 growing season, 3.6 million acres of barley were planted in the United States.

“Joe McClain’s leadership and support of our organization over the past year was second to none. He has created a synergy between our industries that did not exist before. The NBGA was honored to present this award to Joe,” said NBGA President Scott Brown. “It was a privilege for me to recognize the work of the Beer Institute on behalf of U.S. barley farmers.”