Vermont’s Peterson Quality Malt purchases 583-acre farm to expand locally-sourced malted grains market

Malted barley is the backbone of beer, and many of Vermont’s 64 breweries have embraced locally sourcing this ingredient, so much so that Peterson Quality Malt and Hotel Vermont owners announced the purchase of Nordic Farm to expand its malted barley supply.

“As the demand for Vermont grown and malted grains continues to increase beyond what I can produce in Monkton, the opportunity to expand to the iconic Nordic Farm is something I could not turn down. The new partnership with Hotel Vermont’s owners is turning a dream into reality. We share common values and goals, and I am humbled to be the steward bringing this historic property into the future,” said Andrew Peterson, who has been malting barley for Vermont brewers and distillers on his farm in Monkton, Vt., since 2014.

Todd Haire of Foam Brewers in Burlington commented, “We enthusiastically support Andrew and his efforts to provide freshly malted grains sourced from local farms for us to brew with, and the Vermont terroir comes through in the taste of our beers.”

The 583-acre property was purchased by Peterson and several of the Partners in Hotel Vermont, including Jay Canning, founder of Westport Hospitality in Burlington, and Matt Canning, food and beverage director at Hotel Vermont.

“We see this partnership as a natural fit, since we have so many existing connections to farmers and brewers. With Andrew, we will execute a Master Plan for the property, consisting of several agricultural uses in addition to the 350 acres planted with barley and other grains. Plans include: aquaculture, a bakery and vegetable and flower gardens,” said Jay Canning.

Peterson Quality Malts will continue production in Monkton until the new Malthouse in Charlotte is completed in the spring of 2019. The Vermont Department of Agriculture produced a video about Andrew Peterson’s story that you can watch here:

“In a time of difficult change for the Vermont agricultural world, it is very gratifying to be able to work with and alongside so many Vermont farmers. I am very grateful for all of the support and encouragement I have received,” said Peterson.