Carey Center to Host Farmer-Brewer Workshop February 6, 2013
All day workshop will focus on NYS farm-brewing and barley
The Carey Center for Global Good in Rensselaerville is hosting a farmer-brewer workshop on growing, processing and procuring barley for craft brewing in New York State on Saturday, February 16. The day-long workshop will focus on farm-brewing and barley crop production in New York State including the initiatives that need to take place in order to maximize in-state production.
“The Carey Center started a program to encourage farm-brewing enterprises in the town of Rensselaerville with funding from the Hudson River Valley Greenway,” said Carol Ash, President of the Carey Center for Global Good. “We are thrilled to see such a positive response from farmers and brewers from across the state.”
Governor Cuomo is aggressively supporting New York State agriculture and exploring innovative ways to encourage farm-based enterprises in New York State. The market for NYS-grown barley is expanding, especially with the passage of the Farm Brewery Legislation last year; however the lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to meet the demand.
“Diversity and adaptability have defined New York’s food and agricultural industry for centuries. The willingness of our farmers to embrace emerging markets, such as the expanding farm brewery industry, continues to position agriculture as the base for sound economic growth in our rural communities,” said Tom Della Rocco of USDA-FSA. “USDA is glad to be part of this collaborative effort to expand opportunities for rural economic development and agricultural enterprise in New York State.”
Guest speakers and panelists for workshop include:
Scott Collins, United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development,
Ryan Demler, Brewer, C.H. Evans’ Brewing Company,
Marty and Natalie Mattrazzo owner-operators of Farmhouse Malt & Farmhouse Brewery,
Robert Perry, Grain and Field Crops Coordinator of Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York,
Jonathan Post, owner-operator of Bly Hollow Brewery,
Andrea & Christian Stanley, owner-operators of Valley Malt,
Tony Van Glad, owner-operator of Wood Homestead, and
Ken Wortz owner-operator of Kymar Farm Distillery
The workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Guggenheim Pavilion and will feature presentations, panel discussions and opportunities for networking. Registration is required. $20 includes lunch. Call 518.797.5100 or email (rplatel@careyinstitute.org). For directions and more information about the Carey Center for Global Good, visit their website at www.careyinstitute.org.