Beer Industry Slump Leads to 11% Drop in Oregon Hop Acreage

PORTLAND, Ore. — For the second year in a row, Oregon farmers are harvesting fewer hops as beer sales continue to drop.

In 2023, the state’s hop acreage fell by 11% to about 6,893 acres, reflecting an 18% decrease both in Oregon and nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Michelle Palacio, Administrator of the Oregon Hops Commission, explained that hops are a perennial crop harvested mainly for beer between mid-August and late September. Although 30 states have hop farms, the Pacific Northwest dominates with 97% of the acreage, primarily in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.

Farmers decide how much of their hop fields to leave idle based on beer sales trends, as there are few other markets for hops besides beer. A tiny amount of hops is used in health and beauty products and pharmaceuticals, but our main market is beer,” Palacio told KOIN 6.

Current trends show that younger consumers are not as interested in bitter beverages like beer, which impacts local hop farmers, even in Oregon’s strong beer industry. Oregon has about 20 hop-growing families, and their farms are equipped specifically for hops. When hop acreage decreases, it financially affects these growers, Palacio said.

To support local farmers, consumers are encouraged to consider buying beer when choosing an alcoholic drink.

 

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