GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in agriculture, successfully cultivating hops in Florida’s challenging climate — a development that could transform the state’s craft beer industry.
Scientists at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center have been conducting experiments aimed at adapting hops, a crop typically grown in cooler climates, to Florida’s unique environment. Since the inception of the project, the center has supplied locally grown hops to 19 microbreweries, contributing to the production of more than 5,000 gallons of beer.
The initiative is focused on building a sustainable, locally sourced supply chain for Florida’s craft brewers.
“Our goal is to create a market for locally grown hops for the craft beer industry. Then we are hoping we can establish commercial hops production for growers here,” said Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, UF/IFAS associate professor. “We think it’s going to benefit brewers, producers, and consumers as well.”
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company in Gainesville has become the first brewery in the region to utilize the Florida-grown hops from the UF/IFAS research center, marking a milestone in the project’s regional impact.
The success of the hops cultivation program may offer new opportunities for Florida farmers and brewers alike, potentially reducing reliance on out-of-state suppliers and stimulating economic growth within the state’s craft beverage sector.
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