Could genetically modified hops help prevent future shortages?
January 22nd, 2008A genetically modified (GM) crop expert believes that the practice will gain acceptance in the beer making community in the future according to BeverageDaily.com
Dr Val Giddings, a leading independent US GM consultant, told BeverageDaily.com that the current use of biotech crops in global beer making was miniscule, mainly in the addition of rice.
He was keen to add though, that in his opinion, there could be no doubt that GM crop use in beer - even if still some way from practical application - is set to increase in the coming years.
One key issue expected to affect brewers in the coming year is the increasing costs of raw materials needed in making a variety of ales and lagers.
Could this help prevent future hop shortages like we are experiencing this year in the United States? It is hard to know one way or the other. However, genetically modified crops do often have lower net costs to produce over time and therefore could help make beer related crops, such as hops, much more cost effective to produce.
How do you feel about the potential use of GM techniques of grains and hops?
No Responses to “Could genetically modified hops help prevent future shortages?”