Minnesota brewers deeply committed to working with organic ingredients from farmers they know
Our member feature this week highlights Bang Brewing in St. Paul, MN, AGC’s first brewery-member since August 2019. Bang co-owner and brewer Sandy Boss Febbo says, “Ingredient sourcing is absolutely central to our mission of sustainability. The goal with our sourcing is to foster environmental stewardship and champion farmworker health and rights.”
When Sandy and her husband Jay started brewing in 2013, it was difficult to dictate sourcing. Now, seven years in, they’re a long way from relying on large brokers for raw grain and malt. Their first commitment to environmental sustainability was to use all organic ingredients in their beers.
Beyond a commitment to organic agriculture, Sandy and Jay always intended to have personal relationships with the farmers they purchase grain from. Both graduates of the University of Minnesota, they felt it was fitting that the Forever Green Initiative provided the first Minnesota grown grain they brewed with—Kernza®. Bang still features organically-grown Kernza in their beers, now from A-Frame Farm in Madison, MN. In the past year, Bang has also begun working with Doubting Thomas Farms in Moorehead, MN who partners with Crookston-based Vertical Malt to process their organically-grown barley and oats.
Sandy and Jay look forward to continuing to work with new and different organic grains grown by local farms. And after spending years supporting the development of a local organic supply chain, they have begun to lay the groundwork for cooperative purchasing through the establishment of an Organic Brewers Alliance. “Ultimately we want to make it easier for other brewers and producers that are interested in organics and regenerative farming to opt in. We’re so excited about the work of AGC and the regional network it is fostering."
Of course, 2020 has been a challenging year. Bang closed the taproom of their award-winning pre-fab ‘grain bin’ facility mid-March and have since increased distribution of returnable 750-mL bottles to retail partners and bars and restaurants offering curbside pick up. These pivots have kept them brewing, albeit at a slower pace and missing their taproom staff.
Sandy and Jay say they’re committed to their beautifully diverse and strong community, and are adding their voices to demand justice for George Floyd.“While our primary focus is on farming, food systems, and creating a business environment for and of our community where all are welcome - we have long been advocates for progressive change in many realms and will be looking for opportunities to continue to contribute with intent, focus, emphasis and purpose.”
