Beyond The CBD Bubble: Can Hemp Fiber Boost US Manufacturing With Eco-Friendly Products?
As the U.S. hemp industry moves beyond the CBD bubble that led many farmers and manufacturers into financial strain, hemp fiber production is emerging as a promising alternative.
While specialty crops often create market volatility due to their niche appeal, hemp fiber could provide a more stable option. It offers manufacturers a chance to diversify production, farmers an opportunity to rotate crops and consumers with eco-friendly products.
Dr. David Suchoff, assistant professor at North Carolina State University, is leading research focused on two key questions for hemp farmers: how harvest timing impacts fiber quality and how environmental factors influence production.
In an in-depth conversation with Benzinga Cannabis, Suchoff dove into the complexities of hemp fiber production and what’s driving innovation in this relatively untapped market in the U.S. What could the future hold for hemp beyond its use in CBD? Let’s find out.
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When The Time Is Right: Harvesting Fiber At The Sweet Spot
Hemp fiber production is more complex than medicinal cannabis, as it requires the articulation of multiple industries and supply chains.
Unlike fruits or cannabinoid hemp, hemp fibers don’t ripen on a set schedule. Harvesting too early results in underdeveloped fibers, while too late can make them harder to process. Thus Suchoff’s research focuses on determining the optimal harvest timing for quality and yield.
“When we’re growing hemp for fiber, we’re targeting the stems, not the flowers,” he explained. “Fiber hemp doesn’t ripen like fruit. We don’t harvest it based on when it’s ‘ready’ like we would with other crops. Instead, we aim to grow the plant tall, focusing on the stems, …