According to a report released last week by Hop Growers of America (HGA), an organization that promotes American-grown hops, U.S. hop acreage increased a whopping 18.5% this year. Total acreage now stands at 53,213, which is an all-time high and 8,303 more acres than 2015.
With the number of craft breweries surging in recent years (in 2015 the number of operating breweries in the U.S. grew 15 percent, totaling 4,269 breweries, and it has grown even more since then), many are concerned that hop production will not be able to keep up with demand, especially with the ever-growing popularity of highly hopped IPAs.
(Brewers Association)
No doubt, demand for hops has never been higher, but the U.S. hop industry seems to be responding well to that demand. Before this year’s 18.5% increase, U.S. hop acreage grew 15.4% in 2015, 10.2% in 2014, 10.3% in 2013, and 7.2% in 2012.
“We’re very pleased with the U.S. hop industry’s ability to respond to the demands of a burgeoning craft brewing industry,” says Kevin Riel, HGA president and a fourth-generation hop grower. “However, we caution growers and brewers alike to remember the cyclical nature of a mature hop market, and the fine line between ample and over-supply which causes instability in supply and prices. Given the permanent nature of planting additional hops and the significant investment required to do so, restraint and an understanding of longtime partnerships will be required from all involved to ensure a steady supply in the near and distant future.”
Washington’s Yakima Valley leads U.S. production with 37,475 acres, representing more than 70% of the country’s acreage. Oregon and Idaho follow with 7,669 and 5,971 acres, respectively.
Even though Washington, Idaho and Oregon led in this year’s acreage expansion (with a combined 17% increase in production capacity), the rapid growth of the craft beer segment has encouraged new hop growers outside of the Northwest to get into the market. Michigan, for example, now has an estimated 650 acres in production with more under development. The total for non-Northwest-producing states increased in acreage by 64% this year, with 26 states reporting 2,098 acres in production, collectively.
Canada, by the way, also reported a 32% increase in hop acreage. It now has 340 acres in 7 provinces.
Yakima Valley, Washington
