Annually in March, Alicia Adler leads the Hop Industry Hill Climb, which is a joint initiative by the HOP RESEARCH COUNCIL and Hop Growers Of America Inc. to advocate for USDA ARS hop research funding and the important USDA grant programs benefiting hop growers.
![](https://nmd.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/bci/images/alicia-hill-climb.jpg)
This year, the week-long trip included meetings with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and Congressional representatives. The Brewers Association also hosted a Congressional “Hoppy Hour,” featuring a hop sensory experience and beers made by Hop Research Council Brewer Members.