More Consider Leap into Growing Hops in Florida

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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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.

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