Baucus secures deal to sell Montana barley to world’s largest brewer

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) negotiated a long-term deal with Anheuser-Busch InBev — the world’s largest brewing company — on Monday.

Baucus was visiting the European Union capital city of Brussels, Belgium, as part of a trade mission to promote Montana jobs. He secured the continued sale of Montana malt barley to the beer manufacturer.

"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,” Baucus said in a statement Monday. “When the world's largest brewer invests in our barley, it sends 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 met with the global vice president of raw materials for Anheuser-Busch InBev, Tom Adamitis.

"Anheuser-Busch InBev is pleased to continue a strong partnership with Montana barley growers," Adamitis said. "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."

Baucus’s statement said Anheuser-Busch InBev contracts tens of millions of dollars annually from almost 500 contract growers in Montana.

The United States and the EU share the largest trade relationship in the world.

---