United States: Agricultural research institute hopes to revive the hop-growing tradition in Northern New York

The Clements Agricultural Research Institute hopes to revive hop production in Northern New York, Watertown Daily Times communicated on August, 9.

The institute, which focuses on bringing organic farming techniques to the north country, recently applied for more than $50,000 from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop a roughly one-acre hops operation on the Iroquois Farm in the town of Lisbon.

The institute plans to grow the crop organically and then provide demonstrations and equipment for farmers to try it themselves.

"This area used to be a large hops growing area before Prohibition," said Johan W. "Bill" Van Loo, the institute's special programs director. "Years ago, they grew them without chemicals, so we shouldn't have to either. We'll relearn what they knew in the old days."

According to Ithaca Beer Co. owner Dan L. Mitchell, hops grown in Central New York accounted for about 95 percent of the world market by the beginning of the 20th century. However, a mold problem and prohibition ended the plant's success in the area.

Today, the crop typically is grown in the north-western United States.

Although it has bounced back in Central New York, in part because of the recent craft beer boom, Northern New York has not seen a commercially viable hops farm for about 50 years, according to Mr. Van Loo.

"I'm sure we can grow them, but can we grow them successfully and profitably? That's questionable," Mr. Van Loo said.

The institute is planning to sell what it grows. Mr. Mitchell said there is a glut of demand for hops and the price per pound has jumped wildly from $3 to $14 over the past few years.

"I think we can grow them here and pick up that slack. That's in the big picture," Mr. Van Loo said.

The institute expects to hear back from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets about the grant before the end of next month.

12 August, 2009