Could climate change threaten the quality of Czech beer? Researchers working on drought-resistant hops
Hop harvesting is coming to a close in the Czech Republic, and most growers say it has not been a good year. Prolonged drought and extreme heat have led to a poor harvest. Could climate change threaten the quality of one of the country's best-known export products?
Last year, Czech growers harvested 6,490 tons of hops. Although harvesting is still underway it is already clear that this harvest will be below-average. As recently as mid-August, growers estimated the decline at around 20 percent. Now, they are talking about 30 percent. But the problem is not just the quantity.
Vladimír Lichnovský, vice-chairman of the Czech Hop Growers Association, grows hops on almost 200 hectares, mostly in Moravia. He says more summers such as the past one would be devastating.
“Water is lacking very badly. The hop varieties we have are not used to prolonged drought, and the summer temperatures have also been very high. Hops don't like it, they flower less well, produce fewer cones and, according to the analysis we have, some fields have lower levels of alpha acids,” Lichnovský says.
Alpha acids are responsible for beer's bitterness and contribute to its distinctive bite. The quality of Czech hops is considered one of the key factors behind the country's brewing tradition and reputation. Now, agricultural researchers are working to limit the effects of climate change on hop production.
The Hop Research Institute in Žatec is breeding hop varieties that will better withstand drought. Vladimír Nesvadba, head of hop breeding at the institute, says he is optimistic about the research.
“We are working on a project called Odolchmel, and have developed varieties that will be much more tolerant to drought. We also want the plants to be tolerant to extreme temperatures because we can see that some traditional varieties of Czech hops are really suffering.”
The institute previously failed to secure funding for the project from the Agriculture Ministry. But the ministry has now shifted its priorities, and Minister Martin Šebestyán says the government wants to provide greater support for research into more resistant varieties of hops.
“We're now discussing this with individual research institutes, professional associations and the Academy of Sciences, and we'd like to allocate 40 to 60 million crowns next year for this type of research,” the minister says.
In addition to research, Šebestyán wants to address water shortages in hop-growing areas. The government plans three reservoirs near Rakovník and Žatec – to be completed between 2032 and 2041.
Until then, growers can receive state subsidies for irrigation systems, including retention reservoirs and pumping stations.
What many Czech beer lovers are most worried about right now is whether the poor harvest will push up the price of the golden brew. Analysts say this is unlikely, as beer prices are influenced more by costs such as energy, transport and packaging.
