New commitment provides ongoing support for the Hop Quality Group’s public breeding partnership with the USDA.
Crosby Hops, an independent, fifth-generation hop grower, processor, and merchant based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, announced today that it will donate $1 for every pound of Crop Year 2026 Estate Grown Thora contracted through August 31, 2026 towards the Hop Quality Group USDA-ARS partnership. This partnership plays a critical role in developing new, accessible hop varieties that meet the evolving needs of today’s craft beer industry. This contribution reinforces Crosby’s longstanding commitment to advancing public hop innovation and supporting the future of brewer-driven hop development.
Thora, the first public hop variety born from the USDA-ARS and Hop Quality Group partnership, was developed with input from over 50 U.S. craft brewers and data collected by trial growing partners including Crosby Hops. The result is a variety that unites agronomic strength with the dynamic flavor expression demanded by modern brewers. Named after the Old Norse word Þórr, meaning “thunder,” Thora embodies bold, powerful sensory character.
“Thora shows what can be achieved through collaboration, and we are grateful for the HQG and USDA teams who helped move this variety from concept to reality,” said Blake Crosby, CEO of Crosby Hops. “We see tremendous potential for Thora on our farm and in the beers our partner breweries create. Our donation is a way to give back and ensure this partnership continues to drive meaningful innovation for the entire industry.”
All Crop Year 2026 Estate Grown Thora contracts through Crosby Hops will contribute directly to continued progress in public hop breeding. Brewers interested in reserving Thora should contact their Crosby Hops account manager or visit www.crosbyhops.com.