2 APRIL 1999 ------------------------- _A break in the weather allowed Justin Stock, farm manager at Castlemaine Hop Farm, Horsmonden, Kent, to start planting 4 acres of Goldings hops last

weekend. The variety, prized by brewers for over 100 years, is still in demand. The first crop, due in 18 months, will be sold on contract through hop merchant Lupofresh to real ale brewers,

including Shepherd Neame and Fullers. Although 25% lower yielding than more modern varieties, aroma hops like Goldings can be worth up to three times as much, fetching up to £290 a zentner

(50kg). _