On-farm observations of socioenvironmental impacts of Humulus lupulus L. cultivation in Brazil

Abstract

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) have been cultivated in Brazil, the world's third-largest beer producer, to meet the growing demand of its expanding brewing industry. Despite advances in agricultural practices, research on the sustainability of tropicalizing hop production remains limited. This study evaluates the social and environmental impacts of hop production in 10 reference farms across the Brazilian states of Alagoas, Goiás, and São Paulo using the Ambitec-Agro tool. This tool assesses the impacts generated by technological innovations adopted in rural environments through change coefficients incorporated into multicriteria indicators, with weights assigned based on the spatial scale of impact occurrence within the farms. Impact indices were calculated across seven aspects: technology efficiency, environmental quality, customer respect, employment, income, health, and management and governance. These aspects were integrated into 27 criteria and 148 indicators. The results indicate positive outcomes across most criteria, with occasional temporary negative results related to energy consumption; use of agricultural inputs and raw materials; water consumption; occupational safety and health; and atmospheric emissions. To address these issues, farmers have invested in solar panels to reduce energy consumption and support other crops, implemented fertigation to improve water and input efficiency, promoted the safe use of protective equipment, and implemented green manure to store carbon. Additionally, hop production has contributed to economic growth by generating income, creating jobs, and promoting gender and generational equality, while also fostering the production of a high-added-value product for the Brazilian agroindustry.