New Yor, NY--Hemp is a versatile crop that can be used for many things. Hemp products are becoming more widespread, from cosmetics to clothing to food, which has led to increased cultivation in the United States. It's also gaining popularity as more people become aware of its benefits and more products make it to the market.
[Photo by Kindel Media via Pexels]
The 2022 U.S. Hemp Crop Report by Vote Hemp, a leading hemp advocacy organization, said that hemp cultivation will significantly expand in the U.S. in 2022. The report noted that more than triple the amount of land was planted in hemp this year compared to last, and 4 more states implemented hemp programs — a clear indication of people's trust in the crop and its role in the future economy.
More interest in hemp
The report also said that overall acreage increased from 25,713 to 78,176, and the total number of hemp-growing states was up to 23 from 19 states. More hemp licenses were issued across all states, and universities were said to be involved in research on the plant. Industry suppliers also showed interest in adapting—making it a defining factor for future business success.
"We've seen hemp cultivation significantly expand in the U.S. in 2022, with over triple the number of acres planted in hemp compared to last year and the addition of 4 more states with hemp programs," Erica Steenstra, president of Vote Hemp, told Nebraska's KTIC Radio. Now that we have lifted federal prohibition on hemp farming, it's time to invest our energy in expanding hemp cultivation and the market for hemp products across the country so that all can reap the benefits of this versatile, historic American crop."
Just months after it was reported that the sale of hemp products—which include CBD oil, clothing, and textiles, among others—might reach $2 billion by 2022, this report suggests that optimism around federal legalization may drive demand even higher.
Hemp's growth is a big nod to the hemp industry, which would put out even more resources towards growth. BastCore, a hemp processing company, has created patent-pending technology and a proprietary process that produces clean, mechanically processed hemp fiber. This effort earned it the honor of being named one of the Top 50 Startups at the WorldFestival 2022 Startup Awards.
Major denim supplier Cone Denim has partnered with BastCore. The two firms have agreed to expand their partnership to increase sustainable products in the market.
As the hemp market grows, more businesses will likely jump on board with this lucrative but still nascent industry, and a clear legislature — something which many are hoping for — will only pave the way.
The need to define hemp's future
The future of the hemp industry is a collective effort, and it requires collaboration between all stakeholders. This means that all stakeholders—from farmers to processors to retailers—must work together to ensure the best possible environment for their businesses and communities.
"We as an industry need to rethink how we're going to take hemp from where it is now into the future," said Morris Beegle, president, and co-founder of We Are for Better Alternatives (WAFBA) in a report. "We are taking the steps to make a truly robust industry that can change the world."
Beagle spoke at the Southern Hemp Expo — The largest hemp trade show and conference in the southeastern U.S. that covers every aspect of this growing industry from seed to sale. The conference on August 18-20 saw various members of this expanding hemp industry get together.
The expo featured more than 70 speakers at The Fairgrounds Nashville and showcased the range of hemp applications, including fiber, building materials, and medicinal cannabinoids.
Beagle, however, remains cautious of expecting too much too soon. "While the future remains uncertain due to regulatory measures and pending legislation, the state of Tennessee continues to support hemp agriculture for economic growth, developing plastic alternatives and much more," he added in the report.
Commitment to sustainability
Renowned author and regenerative farmer pioneer Doug Fine led discussions about the importance of carbon farming, from reducing pollution to bioremediation and adding to the industry's sustainability efforts.
"A commitment to soil health and regenerative agriculture is essential for the future of hemp," he noted, per the report. Producing organic and sustainable hemp harvests will promote long-term business growth and protect our earth."
Soil health expert Christie Apple also emphasized the need to continue using regenerative agriculture practices in growing hemp. She said regenerative hemp farming can "cure our soils and save our planet when done properly. She added, "The hemp farming community has an opportunity to lead the way in regenerative agriculture and leave behind monoculture and conventional farming."
Meanwhile, Beegle concluded, "As the industry matures, we have even more confidence that the hemp revolution and this platform will provide solutions that will restore this planet and bring economic prosperity."
The advantages of using hemp and its sole sustainability would eventually become more widely understood. As more businesses focusing on ethics and operation join the list, industrial hemp will thrive as an economically viable cash crop while simultaneously helping preserve the earth's natural resources.