Two U.S. hemp companies have joined with North Carolina State University to look at how harvest timing affects hemp fiber quality, and to develop technologies to improve processing.
Montana-based IND Hemp and Bast Fibre Technologies, Greenville, South Carolina, provided matching funds for the initiative after the university received a grant of $333,516 from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). FFAR receives its funding from federal appropriations authorized by the U.S. Congress. The hemp companies added private funds that raised the total for the project to $667,032.
‘Burgeoning industry’
“Hemp fiber is a burgeoning industry that can benefit growers across the country,” said Kathy Munkvold, FFAR scientific program director. “This research is developing tools and guidance to ensure a consistently high-quality crop, regardless of where it’s grown.”
The study, led by David Suchoff, an alternative crops specialist and assistant professor in crop and soil sciences at NC State, aims to address inconsistencies in hemp fiber production by developing science-based harvesting guidelines and advanced retting technologies.
Fiber length, diameter, and strength evolve as hemp plants grow, making precise harvest timing critical for optimal quality.
Broad analysis
The researchers will analyze the impacts of genetics, environment, and harvest timing on fiber quality through trials in the contrasting climates of North Carolina and Montana. The team will also study hemp-associated bacteria and fungi to develop field-tested probiotics that can improve retting under challenging environmental conditions.
The project’s goal is to provide U.S. hemp farmers with actionable tools and data to ensure consistent, high-quality hemp fibers regardless of geographic or climatic differences. The research is crucial for the nascent hemp industry, where consistency in fiber quality can drive profitability and enable the sector to meet the standards of various industries, from textiles to construction.