Climate Smart Commodity

Proximity Malt Climate Smart Partnership to Develop ReGenMalt™

Executive Summary

Proximity Malt is the first new-generation, full-scale, regional malting facility in North America, operating two malthouses located in the Mountain West and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. These sites were specifically chosen to encompass two distinct production regions where spring and winter malting barley and other grains are sourced. This provides a unique opportunity to establish a climate-smart value chain where regenerative practices will play a significant role in producing high quality grains. These grains will be processed into malts to be sold across North America to the brewing, distilling and food industries.

By locating our plants in the middle of these underutilized barley growing areas, Proximity Malt has been shortening the supply chain for our customers. However, we realize that our current practices will need to change in every aspect of our sourcing and manufacturing strategy to combat climate change. Commercial agriculture, while contributing in the past to high greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) through tillage and mono-cropping, holds many keys to unlocking our potential to reduce carbon emissions, and improve soil health, soil erosion, water retention and biodiversity.

In partnership with Sustainable Environmental Consultants (SEC), a 3rd party sustainability verification provider, Proximity Malt will track field by field production practices, including crop rotation, for enrolled Climate Smart Commodities (CSC) participant farms. Proximity will provide educational opportunities for farms using conventional production practices to take steps towards growing regeneratively produced barley. Data generated from participating farms will play a critical role in establishing a new kind of value for their grain, creating a marketplace environment where small grain producers will be recognized and compensated for making positive changes for our planet.

Farmers face a host of challenges when switching to CSA practices with small and underserved farmers climbing an even steeper hill. Financial barriers and unknown risk(s) associated with switching to regenerative agriculture are a deterrent to many farmers. This project will assist in removing barriers by:

Providing a payment premium for regeneratively grown barley to offset the risks and attract new growers.
Providing access to educational field days and resources showing the real-life benefits and methodologies behind making a CSA transition.
Developing clear standards capable of providing an assurance to the entire food value chain that science-backed standards were met and the regenerative agriculture distinction is credible and valuable.
Building a competitive market with supply chain partners, led by the ReGenMalt™ brand, where value created on participating farms will be realized by brewing, distilling and food industries.

Sourcing Regions for ReGenMalt™

Mid Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia
Mountain West: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Wyoming

NRCS Production Practices Supported by Project

328 – Conservation Crop Rotation
329 – Residue and Tillage Management, No-Till
340 – Cover Crops
442 – Sprinkler Systems
449 – Irrigation Water Management

Interested in Enrolling as a ReGenMalt™ Producer

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

Farm Name*

Address*

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Check all that apply*

I currently have small grains in my rotation

I have grown malting barley

I currently practice no-till or minimum till, or am interested in making this transition

I understand I will need to establish Farm Records with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) (have farm, tract, and field numbers in place) to qualify for participation as a ReGenMalt™ producer.

I understand I will receive a W-9 for payments received from this grant.