An application will help the Nemšová hop grower with cultivation

In Nemšová, Slovakia, a unique project is underway to safeguard the future of hop cultivation, a vital ingredient for beer production. The last remaining hop farm in the country is receiving technological support through the "PRE CHMEĽ" initiative, launched by brewers from Plzeňský Prazdroj.

Hop cultivation is notoriously demanding, requiring stable weather and adequate rainfall for a quality harvest. However, climate change presents significant challenges with extreme temperatures, irregular precipitation, and prolonged droughts. These conditions severely complicate the growing process and impact both the quantity and quality of the hops.

“

With the PRE CHMEĽ project, we want to help the last hop grower in Slovakia and provide him with a modern tool that has no equal in the world. It will help the farmer better understand the needs of hops and the influence of external factors.

To address these issues, the PRE CHMEĽ project employs advanced technology. Two micro-climate weather stations have been installed at the Nemšová farm, continuously monitoring environmental conditions such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind. This data is fed into a sophisticated application that also incorporates satellite imagery, historical data, and weather forecasts.

The application serves as a practical assistant for the farmer, providing intelligent analysis to determine optimal irrigation times and water quantities. It also offers insights into weather patterns, helping the farmer prepare for potential droughts. This innovative tool, already successful in the Czech Republic, is now being introduced to Slovakia to support its sole hop grower and preserve this traditional agricultural practice.

“

We are trying to preserve hop growing and believe that this project will help us achieve the required yield and quality.