Constellation Brands, a global brewing company, will invest $100 million in Idaho, Montana and North Dakota over the next five years to support barley growers and strengthen the domestic agricultural supply chain.
The company announced the commitment last week following a Montana visit organized by the U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council. Senior Marketing Specialist Javier Chávez led a delegation of Constellation representatives through the state to meet with farmers and explore direct sourcing opportunities.
“Constellation already invests more than $750 million annually in U.S. farmers and suppliers, including purchasing approximately 80% of all U.S. barley exports,” Chávez said. “This additional investment is proof of Constellation’s tremendous relationship with U.S. growers and the quality barley they produce.”
The new initiative includes Constellation’s Farmers Future, a grower-led advisory committee that will bring together farmers, trade groups and community leaders. The committee will help guide investments intended to strengthen agricultural resilience in the region.
The delegation’s visit began in Great Falls, where representatives met with the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee to discuss statewide growing conditions and availability. The group then toured two farms and met with local growers to explore business opportunities and direct contracting options.
Malteurop, a malting facility, also hosted the team to demonstrate how it maintains U.S. barley quality.
The Council has worked with Constellation for several years to promote U.S. barley as the preferred choice for Mexico’s brewing industry.
“With products enjoyed around the world, partnerships with Constellation generate demand that U.S. growers are ready and able to meet,” Chávez said.
More information about the Council’s barley programs is available on its website.
