Nebraska Craft Brewery Board seeks projects proposals; deadline April 30

LINCOLN — Unique tastes and local connections make craft beers a popular choice in Nebraska. To help grow the state’s hop and craft brewery industry, the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board is seeking project proposals from growers, industry organizations, state and local agencies, educational groups, and others. This year, the Board anticipates allocating $120,000 to fund research, development and

marketing projects. The deadline to submit project proposals is April 30, 2022.

“Craft breweries are good business for local communities as they create jobs, tax revenue and tourism in Nebraska,” said Zac Triemert, Chair of the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. “The demand for unique flavors and small-batch brews is driving the hop and craft brewery industry forward. These grants represent a big opportunity for those interested in growing Nebraska’s craft beer industry.”

In Nebraska, craft breweries are defined as small, independent breweries producing less than 20,000 barrels of beer per year. There are approximately 67 licensed brewpubs and micro-breweries in Nebraska.

The state’s Craft Brewery Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor. The Board represents different aspects of the craft beer industry including brewers, manufacturers, distributors, consumers, and farmers growing barley and hops.

Those interested in receiving grant funds must submit a detailed proposal for review and approval by the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. Applications, instructions, program guidelines and performance measures are available online at craftbreweryboard.nebraska.gov/application-instructions and must be submitted by April 30, 2022.

Project proposals must clearly explain how the funds will be used and how they will enhance the competitiveness of Nebraska’s craft beer industry. Grant applicants will be asked to present their projects to the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board at the next meeting, May 12, 2022, beginning at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Casey Foster, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, at 402-471-4876, or by email at casey.foster@nebraska.gov.