Small Brewers Caucus in the US House.

From the Brewers Association comes news of a potentially useful development.

"Today, the Brewers Association is taking a significant step in our on-going work to promote and protect the interests of America’s small brewers. Right now, letters and emails are hitting the desks and inboxes of every member of the U.S. House of Representatives inviting them to join the Congressional Small Brewers Caucus."

Here's the text of the letter from Peter DeFazio and Greg Walden, Members of Congress:

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Dear Colleague:

As Members who recognize the important place that America’s small brewers hold in our communities and their unique contributions to our culture and economy, we are forming the Small Brewers Caucus to provide a forum in which Members and staff can learn about the science and art of beer and brewing as well as the relevant business, regulatory and societal issues.

America’s 1,300 small brewers (those producing less than 2 million barrels of beer annually) face all the very real challenges any small business must overcome to succeed, but they also must operate in one of the most highly regulated business sectors. In spite of this, they are important economic generators in their local communities, avid promoters of our agricultural economy, and tireless in communicating the history and traditions of brewing and the message of responsible enjoyment of their craft made lagers and ales.

The primary mission of the Caucus is to provide an interactive opportunity to learn about the dynamics of running a small business as a brewery, the brewing process itself and the quality and value of their beers and brewing activities. Some of the main topics the Small Brewers Caucus will explore include:

The Art and Science of Craft-Brewed Beer

• Flavor and Diversity: What makes beer different
• Beer as a food and beverage
• Brewing basics: ingredients, process, quality control, beer flavor and character
• Savoring the Flavor Responsibly
• Responsible presentation and enjoyment of beer
• Responsibility to the American community

Small Breweries as Businesses
• Market Access
• Consumer access to choice and quality
• Retail Sales
• Wholesale Distribution
• Marketing and Advertising
• Regulation – Accounting for Brewery Differences: Large vs. Small
• Impact on Operations
• Government and Agencies