A representative from OMAFRA says local breweries should be looking for local growers to supply their hops.
With hops being a specialty and niche crop, the process can be very labour intensive.
But OMAFRA's Evan Elford says most Ontario brewers usually match up with growers directly. He adds this trend is on the rise. "As brewers become more familiar with the availability of local hops, and the use and quality that growers can produce here, you'll see that uptake continue."
Elford adds hops can grow in a range of soil types, but don't like sitting in stagnant water or very saturated soil.