By Yoni Rodriguez, Research Scientist
In September 2025, a team of researchers from the University of Washington’s Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health (PNASH) Center visited Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) in Yakima, Washington. Washington is the leading hop-producing state, accounting for about 75% of the U.S. total crop, with much of the production centered in the Yakima Valley. As with much of the state’s agriculture, immigrant farmworkers from Latin America, particularly, Mexico and Central America form the backbone of the seasonal hop harvest.
Our visit was part of PNASH’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with agricultural producers and learn how worker health and safety are integrated into sustainable farming practices. We were hosted by Victoria Garza, who is part of a team that leads Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives at YCH and University of Washington (UW) alumna. Through her work, she connects hop growers, employees, and brewers around shared goals in sustainability and community impact.
During our visit, we saw how YCH celebrates and supports the farmworkers who make the hop harvest possible. Below is a conversation with Victoria about the essential role of farmworkers, the challenges of protecting their health and safety, and opportunities for collaboration between YCH and PNASH.
Q: Why is recognizing farmworkers’ contributions important to you and the company?
“Without farm workers, there would be no beer. It’s that simple. They are an essential part of the supply chain and the foundation of the hop harvest. Their dedication, both during and before harvest, is crucial to producing high-quality hops. As hops from the Pacific Northwest are enjoyed in beers around the world, it’s important to recognize that they come from the hearts and hands of hardworking individuals.”
Q: What are some of the challenges or opportunities you see when it comes to protecting worker health and safety in the hop industry?
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected at work, whether in an office or out in the fields. Agriculture presents unique challenges, especially with changing weather conditions and complex regulations. Compliance can be difficult and costly, creating grey areas that require careful navigation. However, these challenges also create opportunities for innovation, whether through improved training, stronger partnerships, or developing best practices that can be shared across the industry.”
Q: How does YCH look to partner with PNASH and UW DEOHS?
“The hop industry is incredibly specialized, so it’s rare to find organizations willing to take the time to understand its nuances. This partnership would allow us to explore new avenues that can benefit both our local and global communities—from supporting migrant farmworkers to examining the broader impact of hops from the Pacific Northwest on the global brewing supply chain. It’s an opportunity to align science, sustainability, and social responsibility.”
The visit to Yakima Chief Hops reinforced the importance of collaboration between industry and research institutions. By combining field experience with scientific inquiry, PNASH and YCH hope to identify innovative ways to protect and empower the workers who make Washington’s hop harvest possible. Whether reducing wildfire smoke exposure, preventing heat-related illness, or addressing musculoskeletal injuries through ergonomic design, our shared goals align in ensuring that sustainability begins with the health of the people behind the beer.
References
- Hop Economics Working Group. The Yakima Valley in the Pacific Northwest produces over 75% of the hops grown in the United States [Internet]. Pullman (WA): Washington State University School of Economic Sciences; [cited 2025 Oct 23]. Available from: https://ses.wsu.edu/hop-economics-working-group/#:~:text=The%20Yakima%2….
- Garza V. Farmworker Appreciation: Honoring Those Who Make the Hop Harvest Possible [Internet]. Yakima (WA): Yakima Chief Hops; 2024 Sep 2 [cited 2025 Oct 23]. Available from: https://www.yakimachief.com/commercial/hop-wire/farmworker-appreciation….
