Two Colorado, USA partners are launching a Farm Partner Program, aiming to help growers who cultivate their in-house genetics for the production of hemp crops boost returns. The program was announced during an online event yesterday that introduced the initiative to farmers, producers and buyers.
“The industry is growing vigorously, but we have recognized the barriers faced by farmers and buyers in terms of long-term stability,” said Isaac Cohen, CFO at hemp seed genetics specialist High Grade Hemp Seed (HG). HG is partnering on the program with Center Pivot Group (CPG), a hemp farming and manufacturing matchmaker that launched in August.
For farmers big and small
Farmers who are accepted into the Farm Partner Program will cultivate HG genetics according to CPG protocols, and then have the opportunity to enter contracts for sale of the material extracted from their harvested crops, the partners said in a press release. HG and CPG will work with farmers of all sizes, guiding crop management to help make them eligible for a revenue split, the companies said.
“We want to support farmers throughout all points of the supply chain so that achieving a return on their investment becomes possible year after year,” said CPG’s President, Adrian Zelski. “It’s critical for buyers to access a stable market to purchase consistent and compliant hemp, just as they do any other commodity,” Zelski said.
Monitoring for quality
The initiative aims to achieve balance between supply and demand by standardizing operations in the hemp supply chain to “make consistent, compliant production a reality for the U.S. hemp market.” Contracted partners will support the program by supplying track-and-trace services that follow production at every step of the process, monitoring everything from genetics and batch origins to planting and irrigation methods, harvesting and logistics, Zelski said.
In addition to helping farmers, the program will also give buyers and manufacturers assurance that the hemp crops and any products derived from them are consistent and compliant, Zelski said, helping to build overall confidence in the market.
While the initiative is rolling out in California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Texas, the partners say they look to eventually expand the program internationally.
