IMPACT: Expanding Grape and Hops Production
With over 100 licensed wineries and 270 commercial vineyards, Iowa’s wine industry has a 420 million dollar impact on the state’s economy. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach strives to help producers be successful.
Iowa had a strong presence in the country’s grape production market in the late 18 and early 1900s until the start of prohibition. It wasn’t until the 1950s that grapes started to re-emerge in the state, with the industry growing significantly since 2000. Vineyards and wineries are now established and producers are looking for more information from our experts.
Hops also represent a growing specialty crop in Iowa. Nearly 60 acres of hops are being grown in the state, with hop yard sizes ranging from less than an acre to 20 acres.
Just like grapes, prohibition put a halt to growing hops in Iowa. But now as craft breweries are growing in popularity, the demand for locally grown hops is rising.
ISU Extension and Outreach is working to help growers navigate their way through this emerging industry.
With growers across the state on the cutting edge of grape and hops production, ISU Extension and Outreach will continue working to assist them in their pursuit of healthy, profitable yields.