Kwantlen Polytechnic University has set up a research hopyard at the Molson Coors plant in Chilliwack to support its ongoing research and new variety development.
“We’re excited to work with Molson Coors in supporting local farmers through this multi-year project,” says Paul Adams, director of KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre, where researcher Mathias Scheutz oversees the lab’s hops research. “Partnerships like this really illustrate how cutting-edge research and innovation can address industry challenges and meet the needs of our local communities.”
Previously, KPU partnered with growers to trial new selections from its breeding program and support its work. While these partnerships will continue, the new hopyard will be a dedicated facility and living library of heritage varieties.
“This project gives us a dedicated research field where we can grow things outside of the commercial scope and explore challenges that growers are facing in order to make better-informed breeding decisions,” says Schuetz.
The one-acre hopyard has 10 advanced experimental selections, some of which are being trialled at local breweries, as well as 40 heritage varieties.
The location is fitting, as Chilliwack was once the largest hop-producing region in Canada and a significant supplier to international markets. This ended in the 1990s, but the industry has since staged a revival, focused on locally adapted varieties serving craft brewers.
MolsonCoors was a buyer of local hops for its Molson Export brand in the early years of the revival, and welcomed the opportunity to partner with KPU on the new hopyard.
“The Fraser Valley remains one of the country’s most important hop-growing regions,” says brewery general manager Graham Kendall. “We’re excited to partner with KPU on this initiative to support applied research and innovation.”
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