ST. LOUIS, MO – On September 14, Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, and Bud Light, announced more than $200,000 in grants to support rice research, grower education, and industry partnerships as part of its celebration of National Rice Month.
For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has proudly supported American farmers and today sources nearly all of the ingredients in its iconic American beers from U.S. growers. The company maintains longstanding partnerships with more than 700 farmers across the country, including more than 80 rice farmers in Arkansas, and purchases $700 million in agricultural ingredients from American farmers each year.
“Great beer starts with great ingredients, and great ingredients start with farmers. We're proud to support organizations that are advancing research and innovation across the rice industry,” said Anheuser-Busch Chief Procurement Officer Damola Oshin. "These investments help strengthen American agriculture and support the farmers and communities that make our beers possible.”
As the largest end user of rice in the United States, Anheuser-Busch relies on high-quality American-grown rice to give beers like Budweiser and Michelob ULTRA their crisp, clean finish. Through investments in research, innovation, and farmer-focused programs, the company is helping strengthen the future of America's rice-growing communities.
Grant recipients include:
- USA Rice | $50,000: Supporting initiatives that help advance opportunities for rice farmers and strengthen rice-growing communities
- University of Arkansas | $130,000: Supporting research on rice quality, brewing applications, and long-term crop management
- Arkansas State University Rice Program | $10,000: Advancing resilient, high-yield rice production systems and sharing results with growers
- Ducks Unlimited | $15,000: Developing farmer-facing resources that highlight rice production best practices and available support opportunities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Arkansas is the nation's leading rice-producing state and an important source of the high-quality rice used in many of Anheuser-Busch's beers. The company's continued investment in rice-focused research and partnerships reflects its longstanding commitment to American farmers.
"I'm proud to know the rice we grow on our farm helps brew iconic beers enjoyed by millions of Americans,” said Arkansas rice farmer and Anheuser-Busch partner Seth Watkins. “The investments Anheuser-Busch is making in research right here in Arkansas helps farmers like me improve how we grow, identify what works best for our farms, and continue producing high-quality rice for years to come.”
The announcement builds on Anheuser-Busch's ongoing efforts to invest in American agriculture through partnerships that advance innovation and support farming communities. To further celebrate National Rice Month, Anheuser-Busch will bring its traveling ComBar to Arkansas this November. The 10-ton mobile bar serves as a tribute to the American farmers behind the company's iconic beers and will give consumers an opportunity to learn more about ingredients like Arkansas-grown rice. As the first company to bring U.S. Farmed certified beer brands to shelves nationwide, including Michelob ULTRA, Budweiser, Busch, Busch Light, and Bud Light, Anheuser-Busch continues to encourage consumers to "Choose Beer Grown Here" and support the American farmers who help make its beers possible.