New European regulations raise questions about pesticides in hops
On September 15, 2023, the European Union published a new regulation aimed at drastically reducing the levels of certain pesticides used in hop cultivation. This measure, which mainly concerns American hops, raises many questions within the French brewing industry.
Pesticides already banned in France but authorized across the Atlantic
The two active ingredients targeted by this regulation are etoxazole and bifenazate, acaricides used to protect hop plants. Although these pesticides have already been banned in France, they are still widely used in American hop gardens.
The new regulations require a reduction from 15 ppm (parts per million) to just 0.05 ppm for etoxazole, and from 20 ppm to 0.05 ppm for bifenazate. In practice, this is tantamount to banning the use of these substances.
Rapid implementation poses problems
These regulations are due to come into force on April 8, 2024 for etoxazole and at the end of September 2024 for bifenazate, leaving little time for producers and retailers to adapt.
Hops harvested in 2022 and 2023, and potentially treated with these pesticides, will no longer be marketable after these dates. This represents an estimated loss of several hundred million euros for the industry.
L’International Hop Growers Convention, which federates producers' and merchants' associations worldwide, has asked for a delay and a revision of this regulation. But such a procedure generally takes time (2 years?)...
If the presence of pesticide residues in beer seems minimal and does not constitute a proven health risk, the ethical question arises for brewers. Should they accept the use of these hops, or rethink their recipes?
Dorothée Van Agt
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A headache for French breweries
Many French breweries, including major players in the sector, use American hops to make their beers. They are faced with a dilemma:
- Use their stocks of potentially non-compliant hops, at the risk of inspections and penalties.
- Destroying these stocks represents a substantial loss of income in an already strained economic climate.
While the presence of pesticide residues in finished beer may seem minimal, and does not constitute a proven health risk, the ethical question arises for brewers. Should they accept the use of these hops or reconsider their recipes?
This regulation, which spares French hops, could be an opportunity to put this sector back on the map. France produces quality hops that are currently overstocked in relation to demand.
An opportunity to promote French hops?
This regulation, which spares French hops, could be an opportunity to put this sector back on the map. France produces quality hops, which are currently overstocked in relation to demand. Focusing on local products would support our farmers, reduce the carbon footprint linked to transport, and meet a strong demand from consumers. consumers. The latter prefer local products, even if it means choosing them over organic produce.
Some argue that French hops are less aromatic than their American counterparts. But there are ways around this, such as using enzymes or fermentation esters. In short, this new regulatory situation is an opportunity for French breweries to rethink their supplies and recipes. What if this constraint became an opportunity to innovate and move upmarket?
In conclusion, this European regulation on pesticides in hops is shaking up the French brewing industry. Although it poses short-term difficulties, it could also be a salutary electroshock to promote local production and rethink production methods. The future of French beer is at stake.
FAQ
The regulations mainly target two acaricides: etoxazole and bifenazate. These substances, used to protect hop plants against parasites, are already banned in France, but remain common in American hop gardens. The new regulation aims to drastically reduce their levels, from 15 ppm to 0.05 ppm for etoxazole, for example.
Many French breweries, including major players, use American hops potentially treated with these pesticides to make their beers. They have to choose between using their non-compliant stocks, at the risk of controls and sanctions, or destroying them, which entails a significant financial loss. It's a real economic and ethical dilemma for brewers.
Yes, because French hops are not affected by these restrictions, as the pesticides in question have already been banned in France. This is an opportunity to promote local quality production, which is currently overstocked. Betting on French hops would support our farmers, reduce the environmental impact of transport, and meet growing consumer demand for local products.
Some professionals believe that hop varieties grown in France offer a less rich palette of aromas than their American counterparts. But there are ways around this. Brewers can play on enzymes and fermentation esters to develop original flavor profiles. The use of other cereals, such as rye, is also an avenue worth exploring.
As is often the case, constraint can become a source of opportunity and creativity. While the European regulation on the use of pesticides in hops may upset habits and pose short-term difficulties, it also represents a salutary electroshock. It's time to rethink supplies, recipes and production methods, to make the most of local production and imagine the French beer of tomorrow. Today's challenges will shape tomorrow's successes!
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