(Brussels, Belgium) – Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus secured a long-term partnership from the world’s largest brewer – Anheuser-Busch InBev – to continue purchasing Montana Malt Barley. Baucus met with Tom Adamitis, Global Vice President of Raw Materials for Anheuser-Busch InBev today in the European Union capital city as part of his trade mission to promote Montana jobs.
“Every bushel of barley we sell helps keep paychecks coming in for Montana farmers, and our partnership means Montana barley jobs are secure for years to come. When the world’s largest brewer invests In our barley, it send a signal across the globe that Montana is the best of the best, and that gives us a strong leg up when competing for business around the world,” Baucus said.
“Anheuser-Busch InBev is pleased to continue a strong partnership with Montana barley growers,” said Adamitis. “This allows us to deliver our high quality, iconic beers to customers throughout the world and brings jobs and economic benefit to Montana. We thank Sen. Baucus for continuing his hard work to help secure this pro-growth partnership.”
“Montana barley growers depend on customers to keep them in business. This partnership will help give Montana barley producers the certainty they need to keep expanding and supporting jobs for the long haul,” said Lola Raska of Montana Grain Growers.
Anheuser-Busch InBev contracts tens of millions of dollars annually from almost 500 contract growers in Montana. The company has three malt barley storage and handling facilities in Montana – Sidney, Fairfield and Conrad.
Baucus is currently working to expand Montana business opportunities while on a trade mission to the European Union – Montana’s third largest trading partner. In addition to meeting with InBev, Baucus has met with European Commission President Manuel Barroso and top trade and Finance Ministers. On Wednesday, Baucus secured a commitment from global energy and manufacturing leader Siemens to send company representatives to Montana this fall and invest in Montana’s higher education programs in manufacturing, science, engineering and business.
The United States and the E.U. share the largest trade and investment relationship in the world. Despite the global economic downturn, the combined U.S. and EU economies account for more than 40 percent of global gross domestic product, 40 percent of world trade in goods and services, 60 percent of world foreign direct investment flows, and 60-70 percent of global banking assets and financial services.
Montana and the EU:
· The E.U. is Montana’s 3rd largest export partner after Canada and Korea.
· Montana exported $206 million in goods to E.U. 2011.
· Montana exported $19 million to Spain in 2011.
· Montana exported $43 million to Germany in 2011.
Source: U.S. Senator Max Baucus
Posted by Northern Ag Network
