More Consider Leap into Growing Hops in Florida

Posted by Paul Rusnak|July 22, 2019

Recently, the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm hosted a hops field day. Organizers report the gathering was a success. Roughly 100 participants, including growers, local craft beer brewers, researchers, and more, showed up thirsty for more knowledge about this unique alternative crop and the opportunities it affords stakeholders.

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UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center's hopyard trial area was center stage for a recent field day.
Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS GCREC
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A hops harvesting demonstration was part of the agenda.
Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS GCREC
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Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, UF/IFAS Plant Physiologist [center], talks twine and other equipment needed to construct the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center's 1-acre hopyard expansion.
Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS GCREC
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Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Director Jack Rechcigl [left] and UF/IFAS Professor Zhanao Deng take a close look at some hop bines.
Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS GCREC

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Attendees had the opportunity to listen and learn from experts in the field about hop cultivar selection, photoperiod manipulation, cultural practices, pest control, water management, and hopyard construction costs.

According to post-event survey results compiled and provided by UF/IFAS Extension staffers Tia Silvasy and Amanda Rivera, attendees’ interest in growing hops is gaining ground. 23% of survey respondents reported to have hopyards distributed in North, South, East, and Central Florida, and 50% of the participants are planning to grow hops in the near future.

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Scroll the photo slideshow above for a few scenes from the event.

Paul Rusnak is the Senior Online Editor of American Vegetable Grower, American Fruit Grower, and Greenhouse Grower magazines, all Meister Media Worldwide brands. He is based in Northeast Florida. See all author stories here.