YAKIMA— Production of hops has grown dramatically in the United States since 2012, and no more acreage is needed to meet the demand for the plant that flavors beer.
That’s according to a new report from the Yakima-based trade group Hop Growers of America.
Most of the nation’s hops are grown in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
The report says the U.S. has hit a saturation point with production of 104 million pounds last year.
The report says that’s a 77 percent increase from 2012.
The report also found that Idaho has surpassed Oregon to become the second-highest hop producing state at 13 percent of the crop. Washington grows 75 percent and Oregon 11 percent.
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