HEREFORDSHIRE hop growers will attend a workshop to look at production costs and sector profitability.

Various growing operations will be examined at the joint NFU and Herefordshire Hop Discussion Group event on Thursday October 24.

The costings workshop will be at The Plough Inn, Stoke Lacy, and growers are asked to go along from 9am.

Hops are vital to the beer industry and during the workshop, which will be run by John Pelham of Andersons Agriculture Consulting, a business model will be built to demonstrate profitability and pay back.

Clare Greener, NFU West Midlands horticulture spokeswoman, said: “Knowing the costs of production has never been more important than it is now, especially with rising inputs like fertiliser.

“This is also especially the case for producers of a crop like hops where there is a small grower base.

“At this event, growers will be able to fully understand their costs of production as a result of taking part in the workshop and be in a position to compare their costs against agreed sector averages.”

She said the event followed a successful similar one held earlier in the year for cider apple growers.

The workshop will start at 9.30am, with coffee available from 9am, and finish at 12.30pm with lunch.

Growers wishing to book a place can contact Jonathan Blackman on 0774738213 or by email on jonathan.blackman@hlhltd.co.uk.

Further information is also available from Clare Greener on 07771 626080 or by email on clare.greener@nfu.org.uk