The official website of Baltika Breweries reports that the company has been a partner with Altai State University on hop cultivation development project since spring 2024. Scientists from the Altai Center for Applied Biotechnology, in collaboration with Baltika Brewries experts, are cultivating hop plants using clonal micropropagation technology, providing the company with healthy and disease-resistant seedlings. As a result of these joint efforts, the company's brewers will obtain high-quality domestic hops, which can substitute foreign raw materials.
Leading technology expert at Baltika, Igor Matveev, comments:
– Since 2017, Baltika has been researching hop cultivation in Russia and has acquired sufficient expertise to share. Over recent years, several positive developments have occurred in the hop growing industry, although achieving raw material independence remains elusive. Import substitution in the agro-industrial sector aligns with the interests of the state, farmers and businesses. It is encouraging to see that innovative technologies and the development of hop cultivation are receiving federal support.
It is worth noting that Altai State University has successfully re-entered the main track of the Priority 2030 program this year.
This year, the Priority 2030 program is focused on achieving technological leadership, a pivotal national development goals of Russia. The university’s allocated funds will primarily be dedicated to the development and implementation of new technologies. Subsidies can also be used to build a system of incentive payments for faculty, upgrade the university infrastructure, procure advanced equipment, attract world-class researchers to universities, and host scientific events.
Rector of Altai State University, Sergey Bocharov, noted:
"We appreciate the support and collaboration from our partner, the Baltika Breweries. Following a decision by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the university has been awarded a grant. The funds will be utilized, among other purposes, to develop hop nursery technology. Our industrial partner's request has shaped our need to cultivate, expand, and explore ways to accelerate the development process. Work on the project is ongoing daily, with a dedicated young team in place. We are confident that we will fulfill all planned tasks and assist Baltika in establishing a new direction in hop cultivation."