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Firms pledge $2.8m to boost regenerative farming
By Melita KielyFour spirits companies and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association are collaborating to enhance regenerative farming with a US$2.8 million initiative for corn farmers.

The five-year, multi-million-dollar initiative will provide corn farmers with the tools to pursue regenerative farming, which focuses on rebuilding the health of soil, water and biodiversity. It can also improve the productivity and profitability of farmers.
Leading the charge with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association are Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Heaven Hill Brands, and Suntory Global Spirits. They will join forces with Precision Conservation Management and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association on the initiative.
The initiative will hire conservation specialists to work with corn growers to support their long-term goals, without affecting their bottom lines.
Eric Gregory, Kentucky Distillers’ Association president, said: “With much of our distillers’ corn being produced in Kentucky, we see the massive impact that Bourbon has on Kentucky’s ag [agriculture] climate.
“As these four distilleries unite to support regenerative corn-growing practices, I look forward to seeing how new resources and incentives can further propel our local farmers without impacting our bottom line.”
Over the five-year period, the companies and farmers will work together to introduce regenerative corn-growing practices across more than 100,000 acres of land.
Greg Goodwin, director of Precision Conservation Management, added: “Farmers are spread thin and are already making hundreds of management decisions each year. They want to do a good job, but face time constraints and decision fatigue when it comes to analysing data and making changes.
“Our specialists work hand in hand with farmers to identify opportunities to improve the health of their farmland and success of their operation. We are grateful for our partnership with the KDA [Kentucky Distillers’ Association] and Kentucky distilleries as we make these great ideas a reality by supporting our farmers in effective, regenerative practices – a win-win for our industries.
For an in-depth exploration into the benefits of regenerative farming for the wider spirits industry, see the January 2025 issue of The Spirits Business magazine, out now.