Prades i Damm exceed 7 tons of hops with regenerative agriculture and local innovation
Prades and Damm work to surpass 7 tons of locally cultivated Mediterranean hops. This initiative not only strengthens the agricultural economy but also promotes sustainability and innovation in the face of climate change.
For over a decade, this project has driven a model based on proximity and connection with the territory, becoming a benchmark for the region and Tarragona.
The growth of hop cultivation in Prades
How has Production evolved since the beginning?
Production has grown steadily since 2017, when the first kilos were harvested. The jump from 3,100 kg in 2019 to more than 6,000 kg in 2020 confirms that Prades has an ideal environment for hops. Currently, with more than seven hectares of fields, the 2026 campaign aims to repeat or surpass the 7 tons of harvest.
What makes Prades an exceptional place for this crop?
Factors such as altitude, thermal amplitude, and rainfall in the area create conditions similar to those of major European producing regions. These characteristics have allowed the adaptation of three varieties: Nugget, Centennial, and Willamette, which provide different sensory profiles for local beers, especially Complot IPA.
Innovation and sustainability in cultivation
What ecological measures have been implemented in the project?
The initiative bets on regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and biodiversity. Among the applied techniques, guided grazing with sheep stands out, which controls weeds without herbicides and protects the lower area of the crop, preventing diseases without harming the flowers.
What impact does this innovation have on crop management?
In addition to grazing, a plant cover is maintained between rows and certified organic fertilization is applied that respects natural cycles. This approach reduces the use of external resources and strengthens the hop’s resilience to drought and high-temperature episodes.
Local value and commitment to the territory
Why is it relevant to the residents of Prades and Tarragona?
The project not only generates employment and rural development but also becomes an example of agronomic innovation with a direct impact on the region. The joint work between Damm, the City Council, and the local cooperative strengthens rooting and proximity, a value very present among the Tarragona public.
How is Production linked to local consumption?
The cultivated hops are incorporated into local beers, especially Complot IPA, creating a value circle that connects agriculture and local industry. This strengthens the identity of the area and economic sustainability, avoiding external dependencies.
YearHop production (kg)Cultivated area (ha)2017First harvestsInitial20193,100Less than 720206,000Around 72026 (planned)7,000+More than 7The future lies in continuing to improve resistance to climate change and maintaining a crop that symbolizes a clear commitment to the land and innovation.
Prades’ ability to adapt a traditional crop to today’s demands makes this initiative a model to follow throughout the province of Tarragona and beyond.
The combination of local factors, ecological techniques, and a clear vision of the future makes Prades and Damm offer much more than hops: they deliver a project with soul and future.
