Congressman Jared Huffman recognized North Coast Brewing Company and Fortunate Farm on Tuesday, August 21, for their environmental sustainability efforts. Rep. Huffman represents California’s 2nd Congressional District.

In a brief ceremony, Rep. Huffman presented plaques to Doug Moody, NCBC Senior Vice President, Sam Kraynek, NCBC Chief Financial Officer, and Gowan Batist from Fortunate Farm to recognize “the 5-year partnership and carbon farming plan.” The ceremony was held at North Coast Brewing Company’s Taproom and Restaurant following a luncheon.

The partnership between North Coast Brewing Company and Fortunate Farm is simple, but effective. North Coast Brewing Co. provides leftover spent grain, hops and yeast slurry, which are the byproducts of making beer, to Fortunate Farm to create compost that contributes to the farm’s overall carbon sequestration plan.

In return, Fortunate Farm supplies fresh produce to North Coast Brewing Co.’s Taproom restaurant.

The mutually beneficial collaboration has allowed a “small farm to thrive while expanding North Coast Brewing Company’s commitment to operating an environmentally-sustainable company,” according to the proclamation.

North Coast Brewing Co. is a Certified B Corporation, due in part to its sustainability practices. Both North Coast Brewing Co. and Fortunate Farm also donate to a wide variety of local organizations and nonprofits.

Rep. Huffman also noted that Fortunate Farm sheltered and fed evacuees during the Mendocino Lake Complex Fires in 2017.

After lunch, Rep. Huffman toured Fortunate Farm, where he met farmers and had dessert. While there, he was able to see first-hand some of the gardens that use the compost made with North Coast Brewing Co’s brewing byproduct.

Huffman said that North Coast Brewing Co’s partnership with Fortunate Farm and its commitment to carbon sequestration, local farming and community building is “a model for others to follow.”

Full text of the proclamation follows:

“In recognition of the 5-year partnership and carbon farming plan between North Coast Brewing company and Fortunate Farm. North Coast Brewing provides Fortunate Farm with left over spent grain, hops and yeast slurry to create compost that contributes to the farm’s overall carbon sequestration plan. In turn, Fortunate Farm provides fresh produce to North Coast Brewing Co.’s Taproom restaurant. This mutually-beneficial and collaborative relationship has allowed a small farm to thrive while expanding North Coast Brewing’s, a Certified B Corporation, ability to redouble their commitment to operating an environmentally-sustainable company. Both companies also donate to a wide variety of local organizations and nonprofits, including Fortunate Farm sheltering and feeding fire evacuees during the Mendocino Lake Complex Fires in 2017. Fortunate Farm and North Coast Brewing Company’s partnership and commitment to carbon sequestration, local farming and community building is yielding multiple benefits and is a model for others to follow. Thank you for your many contributions to the quality of life for residents and visitors of Mendocino County.”