California University of Pennsylvania, a state- supported public university in California, Pennsylvania, was recently rewarded a state grant to grow and study hops and hop production. The grant amounts to $72,500 and couldn’t come at a better time, as the number of craft breweries in Pennsylvania continues to climb and hops are in high demand.
The grant will help fund a trial garden of hops, with the focus aimed at studying disease management, sustainability, and growing issues. California University spokesperson Christine Kindl says the money will help both students and businesses.
“Cal U. looks for opportunities to educate our students while also serving as a resource for the region’s business community,” said Kindl. “We are pleased to receive funding for a project that has the potential to benefit local farmers and brewers, as well as our current and future students,” Kindl added.
Washington County, where California University of Pennsylvania is located, is home to several craft breweries. One of them is Washington Brewery, a small operation that has an obvious need for hops. Washington Brewery co- owner John Burgess says the project is one that he certainly welcomes.
“I would definitely support it,” said Burgess. “It’s important to know the chemical makeup of the hops,” Burgess added. He also pointed out that the more specialized hops, needed for brewing the more unique beers, are often difficult to come by.
Burgess actually approached another university, Washington & Jefferson College, early on about experimenting with hops in order to learn more about growing concerns and to hopefully create a readily accessible local supply. Now that California University has taken up the task, quality, locally grown hops could become reality in a short time.
California University’s hop yard will rely on both high school and university students to help with the design. The students will also work to create a marketing and business plan to sell the hops to local breweries.
The grant awarded to California University of Pennsylvania is one of many that the state Liquor Control Board doled out to various recipients. The LCB donated a total of $791,412 to fund various projects aimed at promoting beer and other brewed beverages across the state.
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