Story perspectives

Beer Industry Adapts to Climate Crisis with Innovative Grains

3/18/2026

49 9

Summary

Story summary

The climate crisis threatens essential beer ingredients, including hops and barley.
Deschutes Brewery in Oregon is experimenting with Kernza, a climate-friendly grain, in collaboration with Patagonia.
Hops are particularly vulnerable to climate change, with declining snowpack in the Cascade Mountains reducing irrigation.
Researchers at Yakima Chief Hops are developing drought-resistant hop varieties.
The industry is adapting to ensure the future of beer amid increasing drought conditions.

1 of 1

Story summary

The climate crisis threatens essential beer ingredients, including hops and barley.
Deschutes Brewery in Oregon is experimenting with Kernza, a climate-friendly grain, in collaboration with Patagonia.
Hops are particularly vulnerable to climate change, with declining snowpack in the Cascade Mountains reducing irrigation.
Researchers at Yakima Chief Hops are developing drought-resistant hop varieties.
The industry is adapting to ensure the future of beer amid increasing drought conditions.