Maine craft brewers form alliance to safeguard state's clean water
Courtesy / Maine Brewshed Alliance
Representatives from 13 of the state's breweries gathered at Maine Beer Co. in Freeport Wednesday to announce the Maine Brewshed Alliance, which aims to protect the state's water.
Craft brewers from around the state have partnered with the Natural Resources Council of Maine to form a coalition committed to help protect the state’s sources of clean water.
Representatives from 13 of the state’s craft breweries Wednesday in Freeport announced the launch of the Maine Brewshed Alliance, which in partnership with the Natural Resources Council of Maine, will help educate customers and the public about the role clean water plays in beer production, and to support policies and programs that protect Maine waters.
The effort is fashioned after similar ones in Oregon and Washington state, the group said in a news release following the launch, which took place at Maine Beer Co. in Freeport.
“Clean water is one of Maine’s most important natural resources, and it’s one of the most important reasons why Maine is home to so much great beer,” Maine Beer founder Dan Kleban said at the news conference. “None of us standing here today takes our clean water for granted. We all have a role to play, and today, I am proud to help announce that Maine brewers are stepping up to the plate and saying: ‘We’re in!’ We are committed to helping protect the watersheds that are cherished by all of us who live, work, and play in Maine.”
The average beer is more than 90% water, and the characteristics of Maine’s sources of drinking water — such as acidity-level, mineral content and purity — are central to the quality of beer that is enjoyed by many millions of residents and visitors, the release said.
Maine’s water is considered cleaner than average, the release said. For example, water used to brew beers in the Portland region comes from the Sebago Lake watershed, which is the drinking water supply for one in six Mainers. “Sebago Lake is renowned for its pristine quality, and is one of only six municipal reservoirs in the country that does not need filtration or treatment before becoming drinking water,” the release said.
“Our dependence on Maine’s clean water extends far beyond its primary and incredibly important role in the beers we produce, but is also a number one resource we all rely on in our day to day,” Hester Bissell of Portland-based Bissell Bros. Brewing said at the news conference. “This industry has a lot of strength, we need to use that to uphold and encourage what’s best for our beautiful state and its natural resources. We all need to be a voice for clean water.”
“Water is critically important to both our quality of beer and quality of life. Here in Maine we enjoy the lakes, rivers, streams, and ocean as places that provide great outdoor adventures,” said Abe Furth of Orono Brewing. “By protecting Maine’s water we’re not just ensuring our ability to keep making great beer, we’re also giving future generations the chance to enjoy Maine waterways as much as we have! Orono Brewing Co. is excited for the opportunity to join the Maine Brewshed Alliance and to work together to protect Maine’s natural resources.
Christie Mahaffey, cofounder of Foundation Brewing in Portland, said that Maine’s clean water “is critical to the quality and reputation of the craft beer we produce.”
“Maine craft breweries are fueling economic growth across multiple sectors of employment in Maine, including equipment and infrastructure, manufacturing and engineering, farming, dining and tourism,” she said. “We are committed to protecting the clean water that is vital to the current and future economic growth developing around Maine’s craft brewing industry.”
NRCM, which on its website says it counts protecting the state’s water as a top priority, said Maine has come a long way in protecting its water.
“But climate change, nutrient pollution and toxic chemicals are posing serious threats to this progress,” said Kristin Jackson, NRCM's federal project outreach coordinator. “Maine’s craft brewers understand that a healthy environment and healthy economy go hand in hand, and we’re excited to be working with them to help more people understand what they can do to protect clean water for all to enjoy.”
According to an economic impact study by the University of Maine and Maine Brewers Guild, the craft beer industry contributed more than $260 million to Maine’s economy in 2017, with more than 1,900 direct employees who received $54 million in total wages, and another 650 indirect jobs.
Maine Brewshed Alliance has 13 brewery members, but said its goal is to include as many of Maine’s more than 100 craft brewery brands as possible.
The founding members are Allagash Brewing, Austin Street Brewery, Bissell Brothers Brewing, Definitive Brewing, Foundation Brewing Co., Geary Brewing, Goodfire Brewing, Maine Beer, Orono Brewing, Oxbow Brewing, Rising Tide Brewing, Sebago Brewing and Shipyard Brewing.
The Maine Brewshed Alliance will kick off its education activities with a series of events in April around Earth Day, which is April 22, including a special beer release by two of the participating breweries.
A calendar of events, as well as information, including how other breweries can get involved can be found on the alliance’s website.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments