WHY ORGANIC

The American Organic Hop Grower Association believes that promoting the use of organic hops will not only benefit the hop industry but also the organic consumer, the organic industry, and the environment.

By working with farmers to increase the efficiencies of organic hop production, more organic hops will be available for organic brewers to source, ensuring that the organic consumer purchases a product from farms that practice sustainable, organic, agricultural techniques.

Since many organic consumers are concerned that beer can be labeled “organic” using non-organic hops, our hope is that when organic hops are used in organic beer, the organic consumer will embrace that change, resulting in increased consumption of organic beer in the U.S.

Environmental Benefit

Because organic farming improves soil fertility, enhances biodiversity, and reduces the negative impact of harmful chemicals, the environment will also benefit from additional acreage being farmed organically.

Also, increasing the production and use of organic hops within the United States will reduce the carbon footprint that is produced each time organic brewers source their hops from overseas, typically from Europe or New Zealand..

Increased Demand

The hop industry will benefit from the increased demand for organic hops once hops are removed from the National List. Increased sales will help develop a viable organic hop industry. In addition, by sharing agronomic practices, non organic hop production will benefit from organic methods that are less disruptive and more sustainable.

Also, since many organic hops are grown on small farms, connecting the organic farmer with organic brewers will give these farmers a chance to find a profitable niche in the hop industry.