UMaine Study Cited in Mainebiz Article on State Receiving Funds to Develop Hops Industry
Mainebiz reported the state is receiving $602,679 in specialty crop block grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support 10 agricultural initiatives, including one that aims to develop a hops industry to support the state’s growing craft beer industry. The grants also aim to increase the competitiveness of crops such as potatoes, wild blueberries, maple syrup and other fruits and vegetables, according to the article. The development of a hops industry will involve a federal study conducted by the University of Maine, evaluating 12 hops varieties that will be planted at an experimental agricultural station in Monmouth, the article states. Results will be shared with farmers and brewers through workshops, fact sheets and online material.