Oregon Hop Growers See Fantastic Quality in 2026

In 2026, the volume of hop acreage stayed relatively flat, but growers and brewers are excited about the quality of this year’s harvest

PORTLAND, Ore. — Next week, many of Oregon’s hop growers will begin the first round of harvest, with fresh hop beer season soon to follow as brewers pick up fresh hops from local farms for a once-a-year beer experience unique to the Pacific Northwest. Growers and brewers say Oregon beer drinkers should be especially excited about this year’s batch, as favorable weather yielded high-quality hops.

“After a few tough years with hop acreages declining as beer sales dipped, Oregon hop growers are especially excited about this year’s hop harvest. The mild spring resulted in ideal growing conditions for the hops, meaning we’re expecting great flavor and aroma,” said Michelle Palacios, executive director of the Oregon Hop Growers Association. “The Willamette Valley’s unique terroir allows us to produce hops specifically for craft brewers. And with our proximity to major brewing cities, like Portland, aka Beervana, it means our hops hit brewers’ tanks within hours of harvest. Our fresh hop beer season is unlike anywhere else in America.”

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oregon hop growers strung 5,443 acres in 2026, a slight increase of 1.6% from last year, putting it in third place in hop production, behind Washington state, which grew 30,301, a 2.8% decrease, and Idaho with 5,898 acres.

“Beer is usually only four ingredients – water, malt, yeast and hops, which makes the quality of those ingredients all the more important,” said Sam Pecoraro, brewmaster at Von Ebert Brewing and Oregon Grower Relations Ambassador of the Hop Quality Group. “We’re lucky to be in the Northwest where nearly all of America’s hops are grown. Fresh hop beer season is the perfect time to celebrate and support our local brewers and growers.”

Depending on the hop variety, some will begin harvest as soon as next week, while others will continue through mid-September. Over the past few years, hop production had seen double digit declines as beer sales are down -4% for a second year in a row.

According to Beer Serves America data, Oregon is home to 300 breweries, brewpubs and taprooms generating more than $8.9 billion in economic output, $2.8 billion in wages, creating 46,700 jobs in the state. It’s so important to the local economy, Oregon is the fifth most beer-job reliant state, accounting for 1 out of every 633 jobs in Oregon.

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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance

The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating $17 billion of economic activity for Oregon annually. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org

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