PA Breweries, Farmers Both Could Benefit Under Proposed Law

PENNSYLVANIA — Beer and farming might seem like an odd combination. But both industries in Pennsylvania possibly could benefit from a bill recently introduced by a state lawmaker.

Rep. Ryan Bizzaro, an Erie Democrat, wants to provide a tax credit for breweries that provide farmers with their spent grain to provide livestock feed.

Spent grain is the moist, solid leftovers from brewing that are high in protein, fiber, and minerals. It’s often used as animal feed or compost.

When donation is not available or cost prohibitive, this grain ends up in landfills. According to Bizzaro, donating this grain helps prevent landfill waste, support small businesses and farmers.

“The Brews to Barns Act turns waste into opportunity,” Bizzarro said in a news release.

"By connecting brewers with local farms, we reduce waste, strengthen our agricultural economy, and help local businesses lift each other up. This bill is an opportunity to help Pennsylvania brewers and farmers during a difficult economic time.”

According to Bizzaro, Pennsylvania has the second-largest number of craft breweries in the state with more than 500. But the number is deceiving, as more than 65 have closed in the past two years.

“The last couple years have been really hard for us, with tariffs, aluminum cost increases, shipping cost increases, and now the war," said Jason Lavery of Lavery Brewing Company in Erie County.

"We’re doing everything we can to stay relevant and keep our prices low. … A simple bill like the Brews to Barns Act would go a long way to help small breweries succeed.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania agriculture is a $132.5 billion industry that provides more than 593,000 jobs to Pennsylvanians.

The number of jobs in the industry has increased by 2.4 percent since 2018.