20 September, 2024

Belgium: Smaller hop harvest expected this year following wet spring

The annual hop harvest is under way in and around Poperinge. It lasts for three weeks, but due to the wet spring, this year's yield will be less than usual. There are 23 hop growers in Belgium, 17 of whom are in Poperinge. Among them is Bart Boeraeve, VRT.be reported on September 20.

“Now the sun is shining, but that’s too late for the early varieties. We lose about 20% there,” he says. “The late varieties can still enjoy some late summer sun now. I suspect we can limit the damage to 10% loss. But we are going to feel that too, unfortunately.”

Belgium’s beer will not be compromised, he says, as many Belgian brewers use foreign hops, which are slightly cheaper. The area of farmland dedicated for hops is decreasing every year: there were 150 hectares of hops in Poperinge, compared to almost 1,000 hectares in the 1980s. Nevertheless, young farmers continue to believe in the crop.

“There is plenty of room and space for Belgian hops,” says Boeraeve. “It is 100% reliable, transparent and ecological. In addition, we really grow for the brewers. We listen to their preferences and don’t grow for the sake of growing.”

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