Could hops be the crop of the future in New York State? Hops, once a leading specialty crop in New York State, suffered from plant disease, insect pests and Prohibition. Now, with the help of Cornell researchers, the Northeast Hop Alliance is trying to re-establish commercial hop production in New York and the northeast. In fact, Ithaca Beer is planning to bottle a powerful brew made with New York hops that is about 10-percent alcohol. Duncan Hilchey, senior extension associate with the Community, Food, and Agriculture Program is one of the key individuals who helped coordinate getting Ithaca Beer linked up with NYS hop producers. The complete news story is available online at www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060324/NEWS01/603240342/1002/NEWS17 or at www.star-gazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060327/NEWS0109/603270319/1008