Budweiser China and Jiangsu Nongken Group host the sixth annual Growers Day at Huaihai Farm in Sheyang County, Yancheng, Jiangsu province, on May 14. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Budweiser China and Jiangsu Nongken Group are reshaping domestic barley supply chain, supporting farmers to increase yields, improving raw material supply, and boosting industry collaboration.
On May 14, the two companies hosted the sixth annual Growers Day at Huaihai Farm in Sheyang County, Yancheng, Jiangsu province. Since forming a partnership with Jiangsu Nongken a decade ago, both sides have created a system covering cultivation, production and distribution, building on their "Five Excellence" system, which centers on soil, seeds, farming, storage and purchase. This approach has steadily improved the quality and availability of locally grown barley.
Barley is a key ingredient in beer, shaping both taste and quality. It also plays a strategic role in linking agriculture and industry. Even though China is the world’s largest beer market, the country still faces gaps in high-quality barley supply.
To address this, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued guidance in February on upgrading the brewing industry (2026–2030). The plan emphasizes stronger raw material supply, expansion of brewing-specific crops, and closer collaboration between farmers and industry.
