Montana state officials said this week they persuaded the multinational company that markets Heineken beer to buy more barley grown in the Treasure State.

Gov. Greg Gianforte and Christy Clark, director of the state Department of Agriculture, on Nov. 1 unveiled a letter of intent for Heineken International Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma (Heineken International) to increase its purchase volume of Montana barley products.

“We’re thrilled Heineken recognizes the superior quality of Montana barley and wants to do more business with our farmers,” Gianforte said. “This agreement ushers in tremendous opportunities for our ag industry.”

The governor signed the letter with epresentatives from Heineken International at Bos Hay and Grain in the Gallatin Gateway. Members of the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee and the U.S. Grains Council joined the governor, director, and Heineken representatives at the signing.

Over the past five years, Heineken has sent three trade missions to Montana. During these visits, Heineken representatives visited Montana State University Plant Science and Malt Quality Labs and received a tour of the Ag Depot. Additionally, they met with representatives from the Montana State Grain Lab, Columbia Grain, and United Grain.

“The Montana Department of Agriculture is proud of the exceptional quality of barley that we grow here in our state,” Clark said. “We appreciate this group of buyers and representatives coming to Montana to source their high-quality barley needs. Montana’s barley farmers look forward to this long-term and mutually beneficial relationship in the making and are honored to do business with a company such as Heineken International.”

Source: Montana Department of Agriculture