The impact of climate change on agriculture in Europe is becoming increasingly apparent. A recent study by the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences has shown that the production of hops, a key ingredient in beer, is under threat due to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall. The study focused on two regions in the Czech Republic and Slovenia, as well as three areas in Germany, and found that the amount of hops being produced is decreasing significantly. This is particularly concerning as the alpha acid content, which is crucial for the taste of beer, is also decreasing.
The researchers used historical data from 1971 to 1994 and compared it to data from 1995 to 2018 to identify the decline in hop production. They then projected the results using climate models to predict future trends. The simulations showed that by 2050, the amount of hops being harvested could decrease by up to a third, with the largest hop-growing region in Europe, Hallertau, experiencing a decline of almost 40%. The decrease in alpha acid content is also a concern, as it affects the taste of beer.
Despite the worrying findings, experts in the industry are optimistic about the future of hop production. Anton Lutz from the Hop Research Center in Hüll acknowledges the threat posed by climate change but emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. Newer hop varieties are better suited to cope with changing weather patterns, and the use of artificial irrigation systems is also being considered. BarthHaas, the world’s leading hop trader, recognizes the impact of climate change on the industry but believes that innovative methods and new varieties will ensure that hop production remains competitive. The recent investment of 65 million euros in an extraction plant in Hallertau is a testament to this belief.
