The inaugural course of New York State’s first Hops Institute for hop growers, commercial and home brewers, government or agricultural extension agents and hop enthusiasts is nearly sold out.

Hops 101, an introduction to growing, processing and marketing hops in NYS, will be held from March 20 at the Saranac Brewery in Utica.

The effort began last year waith the purchase of a hops harvester by the Madison County Agricultural Economic Development program. Organizers have been trying to revitalize the historic crop as a way to support local farmers. The movement has also caught the attention of more than 50 breweries throughout New York that are interested in using locally-grown hops.

The course costs $75 for Northeast Hop Alliance members, and $95 for non-members and includes all course materials, lunch and pizza and beer after the course. Registration is limited.

(from:blog.syracuse.com)