Anheuser-Busch has partnered with USA Rice to invest an undisclosed sum in the Rice Stewardship Partnership, which aims to optimise water efficiency, preserve rice-land, and protect wildlife.
Rice is one of the main ingredients in several beers produced by the company, following the introduction of the ingredient to the original recipe of its signature Budweiser drink.
The investment will help to fund strategies to protect working ricelands through conservation planning, nutrient management, improvement of irrigation efficiency and through education of decision-makers on water, agriculture and wildlife habitats.
Anheuser-Busch claims that it is the “largest end user of US rice”, and thus it is in the interest of the company to ensure that the US rice growing industry remains strong in the future.
Jess Newman, Anheuser-Busch’s Director of US Agronomy said: “From seed to sip, every step of our brewing process is focused on responsible and sustainable water stewardship and smart agricultural practices.
“The last ten years have seen us reduce water usage in our facilities by 38% and we are excited to keep moving in this positive direction.
“This new partnership will help us take our agricultural innovation to the next level, as we strive towards our ambitious 2025 Sustainability Goals, working side-by-side with our rice growers and the community in Jonesboro.”
Betsy Ward, president and CEO of USA Rice added: “USA Rice’s partnership with Ducks Unlimited and with great members like Anheuser-Busch has enabled us to provide much-needed financial and technical support to conservation-minded rice farmers who are working to continuously improve their operations and hopefully see a positive return on their investments in both future profits and achieving their sustainability goals.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024