untitledEast Aurora, NY.  With support of from the Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County will host a two-day workshop taught by Cornell University faculty, the New York State Hops Specialist, Steve Miller, regional Cornell specialists, and experienced Erie County growers and brewers. This workshop will assist individuals in learning how to grow hops and brewery grains commercially.

In July 2012, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to support and strengthen New York’s craft breweries with the goal of increasing demand for locally grown products as well as expanding economic development and promoting tourism by showcasing exceptional food and beverage products through the Taste NY initiative.  Under the new law, in order to receive a Farm Brewery License in New York State, the beer must be made primarily from locally grown farm products; 20% local by 2018, 60% local by 2023 and after 2024, 90% of the hops and other ingredients used must be grown or produced in New York.
To help with this initiative, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County will offer a two-day workshop covering the following topics: How to Grow Hops, Understanding New York State Brewery Legislation, Hops Integrated Pest Management, Growing Brewing Grains, A Summary of Hops Variety Trials, Farm Based Beverages, and a Lunch Brewery Panel Discussion.   On the second day of the workshop participants will go on a  brewery tour by charter bus, and will have the opportunity to see how their product will be used by local breweries. This will also be a great networking opportunity.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 22 in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Auditorium, at 21 South Grove Street, East Aurora, beginning at 10am and ending at 3:30pm. The following day, Thursday, October 23 from 5-10 pm, attendees will tour local breweries and will travel by charter bus. The fee for the workshop is $35 for Erie County Agriculture enrollees, and $50 for non-enrollees. Lunch is included on October 22nd, however dinner and drinks on the brewery tour are the responsibility of the attendee. Partial cost of this workshop is offset by the Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement program support.