Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), in partnership with Molson Coors, has unveiled a new research and development hop yard in Chilliwack.

Located adjacent to Molson Coors’ Fraser Valley Brewery, the site will facilitate field trials of hop varieties developed through the BC hop variety development program, led by KPU's Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) since 2019 in partnership with the BC Hop Growers Association and its members. It will also serve as a living library of genetically-diverse hop plants and a dedicated space to advance applied research, supporting British Columbia's hop growers while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. 

“We’re excited to work with Molson Coors in supporting local farmers through this multi-year project,” says Dr. Paul Adams, director of KPU’s Applied Genomics Centre. “Partnerships like this really illustrate how cutting-edge research and innovation can address industry challenges and meet the needs of our local communities.”

Over the past year, researchers and students have been establishing the hop yard from the ground up — from prepping the field to planting the first experimental varieties developed at the AGC. Beyond testing new hop varieties, the field will also serve as a space to research best irrigation practices and more. 

"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. "We're excited to partner with KPU on this initiative to support applied research and innovation while strengthening connections with local growers and providing students with hands-on experience that will help shape the future of agriculture and brewing in British Columbia and beyond."

“This project gives us a dedicated research field where we can grow things outside of the commercial scope and explore challenges that growers are facing in order make better-informed breeding decisions,” says AGC researcher Dr. Mathias Schuetz, who is leading the project.

Hops, which are the female flowers of the plant species Humulus lupulus, are used to provide flavour and aromas to beer while also functioning as a natural preservative. The Fraser Valley has a longstanding history of hop production, once having ranked as the largest hop-growing region in the Commonwealth in the 1940s. 

Using state-of-the-art DNA analysis and chemical techniques, KPU researchers are helping local hop production thrive again by creating new, climate-resilient varieties. 

“We’re crossing different plants to create varieties with desirable traits, which we are then planting and evaluating in the field,” says Dr. Schuetz. “The idea is to create something that is resilient against heat and drought, while also being profitable and desirable for brewing.”

Source:  Kwantlen Polytechnic University July 23, 2026 news release