Researchers are identifying genes in the hop plant to produce varieties that will be more resilient...
Climate change threatens to "Call time" on the great British pint.
Hops give bitter its taste but the plant doesn't like the hotter, drier conditions we've experienced in recent decades and production has plummeted.
Researchers in Kent are isolating hop genes in the hope of producing more climate-change resilient varieties.
Warmer, drier conditions have also affected the trademark bitter flavour hops gives beer.
Dr Cockerton will be searching for genes in plants that are drought-resistant which could be crossbred with plants that are currently grown for use in beer production.
Dr Helen Cockerton is searching for genes to protect hop plants from drought and one that boosts their flavour.
"Brewers want good-tasting beer, so they need their hops to produce the flavour their customers want," she said.
Dr Cockerton is working with Dr Klara Hajdu, a hop breeder with Wye Hops.
The identification of key genes in different hops can greatly accelerate the development of new varieties.
The master brewer told BBC News: "The great news from my perspective is that 10 years ago, I was sceptical that we could produce intense flavours in hops in our climate."