RENSSELAERVILLE — The Carey Institute’s Sustainable Communities Program has been granted $62,080 from the United States Department of Agriculture to offer technical assistance to breweries and other craft-beverage producers in rural communities across the state.

The project provides participating businesses with assistance and training to help expand production, improve operations, increase sales, retain current jobs, and create new jobs.

Most rural breweries are less than five years old and face challenges that extend beyond a competitive marketplace. According to a survey conducted by the Carey Institute, rural brewers identified lack of infrastructure, scarcity of trained workers, and slow retail traffic as barriers to growth.

When asked to define their primary indicators of success, the same brewers prioritized increased sales, financial stability, community revitalization, expansion of retail and production, and adding employees. The Rural Brewery Technical Assistance Project is designed to address these self-identified challenges and support sustainable growth. 

The project will target small breweries located in towns with a population of less than 5,000. This scope includes more than 75 licensed farm breweries, as well as 21 licensed microbreweries, in 70 towns and villages across the state.

The Carey Institute will provide at least 24 businesses with technical assistance over the course of a year, including remote, in-person and one-on-one assistance. Further, the curriculum and a professional network will be made available to all interested rural craft beverage producers.

Businesses that may qualify for technical assistance may contact Rebecca Platel, Sustainable Communities Program manager, at call 518-797-5100.