Major boost for Bushy Park as Hop Products Australia reveals plans to double output

AUSTRALIA’S largest hop grower is planning to more than double production at Tasmania’s Bushy Park Estates within the next three years.

HPA Managing Director Tim Lord will announce a $15 million expansion project. Pictured is Owen Johnstone of HPA announcing the expansion plans.

AUSTRALIA’S largest hop grower is planning to more than double production at Tasmania’s Bushy Park Estates within the next three years.

Hop Products Australia sales and marketing manager Owen Johnston today announced a $15 million expansion split over two sites — Bushy Park, in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, and Rostrevor Hop Gardens in Myrtleford, north-eastern Victoria — to improve harvesting, kiln processing and plant breeding facilities.

“Last season we harvested 450 tonnes at Bushy Park and in the next three years plan to lift that to more than 1000 tonnes,” Mr Johnston said.

Bushy Park boasts the largest hop-processing plant in the southern hemisphere.

During harvest time, which has just started, it employs up to 150 casual workers and 20 full-time staff.

Expansion plans include adding another 50ha to the site’s 225ha, possibly creating another 10 jobs.

HPA exports hops to 25 countries, looking after local craft brewers and some of the world’s flagship craft brewers.

“We are providing hops that occupy a unique space in the flavour spectrum. The modern face of hop growing is changing,” Mr Johnston said.

“Through our dedicated hop-breeding program and incessant drive to bring brewers the best hops, we have introduced a number of proprietary flavour hops, in addition to our aroma and bittering varieties.”

Bushy Park farm workers stripping hops from the plants.

In its 150 consecutive harvest year, Bushy Park Estates is one of the oldest continuously operating hop farms in the world.

Hops are the key ingredient in beer and have grown at the junction of the Derwent and Styx rivers since 1864 when Ebenezer Shoobridge planted the first bines.

HPA produces 80 per cent of the hops grown in Australia — representing about 1 per cent of the world’s production.