Responsible investments in hop farming: Foreign and domestic experience

Abstract

The article examines the current trends in the investment activity of hop farming in the main hop-producing countries. The structure of investments in fixed assets of the industry in large specialized farms in the USA (Washington State University methodology), in small farms in the USA (joint methodology of the University of Michigan and Vermont), in average farms in Europe (SIMAHOP methodology of the Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing) and in farms of the Chuvash Republic — the main hop-producing region of Russia (model CCU of the Czech Republic “Agro-Innovations”). According to the results of the study, it was revealed that the hop growers bear the greatest investment costs at the initial stage — during the construction of the hop frames and the laying of hops. Capital investments at this point account for 50-60% of all long-term investments. On average, 15% to 19% of investments are invested in the purchase of specialized machinery and equipment. From 20% to 30% is occupied by investment costs for hop harvesting points.