Bend brewery highlights sustainable hops and natural growing practices
Tracee Tuesday
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend brewery is putting sustainability at the center of both its beer and its food, focusing on how ingredients are grown and sourced.
Worthy Brewing Company says that starts with its hops — a key ingredient in beer — many of which come from Indy Hops, an Oregon-based supplier.
According to the brewery, Indy Hops partners with farms that are certified through Salmon-Safe, a nonprofit program that promotes agricultural practices designed to reduce pollution, limit erosion and improve water quality for salmon habitats.
“We primarily use a lot of hops grown here in the state of Oregon. Through Indy Hops is one of them — especially where they have Salmon-Safe certification which helps with reducing erosion as well as pesticide use which make it safe for salmon and other aquatic life,” said Nick Robbins.
The certification emphasizes science-based methods that help protect waterways, which is especially important in a state where salmon play a critical ecological and cultural role.
That same environmentally conscious approach extends beyond the brewery’s beer and into its kitchen.
Worthy’s on-site garden supplies fresh ingredients used throughout the menu, including chives for fries, arugula for salads, as well as beets, garlic and sunflower seeds.
Farm manager Jessica Walker says she avoids using heavy pesticides whenever possible, instead relying on natural pest control methods.
Those include introducing beneficial insects to prey on pests, spraying plants with water and, when necessary, using organic or non-toxic insecticides.
Walker says the goal is to protect both the crops and the surrounding environment while still producing high-quality ingredients.
Together, brewery leaders say these efforts reflect a broader commitment to sustainability — from farm to glass and plate — while supporting Oregon-grown products and environmentally responsible practices.