U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) led a legislative call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) to step up its commitment to hops-related research given the brewing industry’s growing economic impact.
The letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA Under Secretary Cathie Woteki called for two full-time positions to be committed to hops research in fiscal year 2017, up from the current equivalent of 1.7 full-time employees.
“Overall, the brewing industry generated more than $250 billion in economic activity in 2014, directly and indirectly employing over 1.75 million Americans,” the letter, which was signed by more than 100 members of Congress, states. “This activity is only sustained through a healthy, stable hop market.”
Hops growers face a number of agricultural challenges, including mites, mildews, blights and other pests that harm production.
Developing new varieties of hops that are pest-resistant and climate tolerant would help growers increase yields and reduce the use of pesticides, the letter said.
“Additionally, while commercial hop production now exists in 29 states, developing new climate-tolerant varieties could help further expand commercial production, putting growers closer to their customers and reducing the threat that a disaster in the Pacific Northwest would affect U.S. and global supplies,” the letter states.
Some brewers are also facing difficulty with procuring the hops they need for brewing because demand has outpaced supply.
The letter notes that previous USDA hops research led to the development of new varieties that are now universal to the brewing industry.
“As consumers continue to demand beers with new aroma and flavor traits, research into developing these characteristics could result in significant benefit to growers, brewers and the customers they serve,” the lawmakers said.