The demand for craft beer has sparked a surge in US hop production.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says production totaled nearly 79 million pounds this year, an eleven percent increase compared to last year.
Washington State produced more than 59 million pounds, followed by Oregon and Idaho.
Those three states produce about a third of the world’s supply. The report says production has shifted to higher-value aroma varieties in response to increased demand from craft breweries.
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