Organic Hop Farming in Czech Republic and Worldwide

Organic farming is a trend in official agricultural policies of the European Union. It prioritizes quality over quantity, which places it in contrast to the conventional farming aiming for the maximal profit. The history of organic hops growing began in the mid-eighties of the last century in Bavaria. In 2011 organic hops was grown on 55 farms in 10 countries, cultivating in total 187 hectares (ha) of hop-fields with an annual production of 240 t of certified organic hops. In other countries, including the Czech Republic, there are further 127 ha of hop fields in so-called transition period from conventional to organic hops growing. There were 4 farmers registered for organic hops production on 10.7 ha of hop fields in the Czech Republic at the end of 2011. The hop variety Saaz is grown on 8 ha and the variety Premiant on the remaining area. The research project Czech Organic Beer, financially supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade from 2011 to 2013, deals with the issue of organic hops production. Pilot and full scale trials demonstrated very good quality of beers hopped with organic hops from the fields in the transition period. They also confirmed a promising market potential for this beer segment.