Fornio, an ancient grain cultivated in West Africa for over 5,000 years, has become a symbol of resilience and sustainability in the face of water scarcity. Its minimal water requirements make it an essential food source in regions where water is scarce, prompting discussions on regenerative and sustainable agriculture. The emergence of Fornio as a key player in the agricultural industry has caught the attention of UK-based ethical brewer, Brewgooder, known for supporting clean water projects across Africa. Brewgooder recently set up the world’s first Fairtrade-certified supply chain for Fornio, connecting Guinea with the UK.
In an interview with Brewgooder founder Alan Mahon, the importance of developing the Fairtrade beer category was highlighted. The integration of a supply chain based on shared prosperity and opportunity is a new territory for beer brewing, with Fornio grain being a recent addition to their brewing ingredients. The goal is to create a fairer world through the principles of Fairtrade, ensuring that small holder farmers who grow the grain also benefit from its commercial success.
The use of Fornio grain in brewing has the potential to transform farming communities in Guinea and beyond. With its short maturation period and minimal water requirements, Fornio provides a sustainable choice for regions facing water scarcity. By creating a stable market for Fornio through ethical and sustainable practices, Brewgooder aims to elevate the status of the crop, opening doors for further investments and partnerships. The initiative could benefit hundreds of smallholder farmers in Guinea, with the potential to extend its positive impacts to neighboring regions.
Historically, Fornio farmers in Guinea have faced numerous challenges in getting their produce to market, including lack of infrastructure, limited access to markets, low productivity, and financial constraints. The Fairtrade arrangement will help alleviate these challenges by expanding market access, ensuring fair compensation for farmers, building capacity through training and support, and promoting sustainable development practices. By adhering to Fairtrade principles, Brewgooder’s collaboration aims to improve the quality of life for farmers in Guinea and beyond.
Brewgooder’s decision to make the supply chain ‘open grain’ reflects a commitment to transparency and collaboration within the brewing industry. Other brewers, both large and small, have shown interest in using Fornio grain in their brews, leading to a growing trend of its adoption in brewing. The scalability and fairness of the supply chain are crucial for mass adoption, and Brewgooder’s initiative aims to unlock Fornio’s potential in brewing. By encouraging more brewers to use the supply chain, the impact on farming communities in Guinea and beyond can be maximized.
While the supply chain is currently focused on the UK, Brewgooder envisions expanding it to international markets to involve breweries from around the world. The goal is to make Fornio grain accessible to brewers globally, promoting sustainable agriculture and Fairtrade practices on a larger scale. The potential for growth and impact in other international markets is significant, and Brewgooder is eager to collaborate with brewers worldwide to make this vision a reality.