Kwanten Polytechnic, Molson Coors open hop research yard in Chilliwack

CHILLIWACK — Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and Molson Coors have opened a new research and development hop yard in Chilliwack. The yard will support B.C.’s hop industry while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students.

The yard is located adjacent to the Molson Coors’ Fraser Valley Brewery. It will be used for field trials of hop varieties developed through the B.C. hop variety development program which is led by KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) since 2019 in partnership with the BC Hop Growers Association and its members.

A new research yard beside the Molson Coors brewery in Chilliwack will provide Kwantlen Polytechnic University students with research opportunities and is expected to lead to the development of more productive and resilient hops in the future. (Image Credit: Kwantlen Polytechnic University)

The research yard will also serve as a living library of genetically diverse hop plants. It will be a dedicated space for applied research, including studies on irrigation practices.

“We’re excited to work with Molson Coors in supporting local farmers through this multi-year project,” said Dr. Paul Adams, director of KPU’s AGC.

Researchers and students have spent the past year preparing the site and planting the first experimental hop varieties developed at the centre.

“Hops are a critical ingredient in brewing, and the Fraser Valley remains one of the country’s most important hop-growing regions,” says Graham Kendall, General Manager, Molson Coors Fraser Valley Brewery.

AGC researcher Dr. Mathias Schuetz leads the project. He says the dedicated yard allows researchers to explore challenges facing growers outside the commercial production environment and make better-informed breeding decisions. “Partnerships like this really illustrate how cutting-edge research and innovation can address industry challenges and meet the needs of our local communities,” said Schuetz.

The project also gives students practical experience. Horticulture, biology and brewing students are involved in field and laboratory work, while KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations students are testing new hop varieties by producing small-batch beers including one that was served during the unveiling.

Using DNA analysis and chemical techniques, KPU researchers are developing new climate-resilient hop varieties to support local production. The project is supported by Genome BC and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.