The US hemp industry has entered a new era with the passing of the 2018 farm bill, which has brought federal approval and opened up opportunities for business growth. However, as the market expands, there is a concern that inexperienced companies looking to make quick profits could out-compete industry veterans. One company that has been at the forefront of hemp cultivation is Front Range Biosciences, co-founded by Jonathan Vaught, PhD, and Nick Hofmeister.
Front Range Biosciences was established in 2015 with a vision to combine scientific knowledge with hemp agriculture. The company offers a Clean Stock nursery program that focuses on producing high-quality young plants and seeds for growers. This program involves a meticulous nine-stage process where cannabis cuttings are washed, tested for pathogens, and cultivated in controlled lab, greenhouse, and outdoor environments. The end result is pathogen-free plants that are highly productive and profitable for growers. Given that disease outbreaks can lead to significant financial losses, Front Range Bio’s Clean Stock program is highly sought after in the industry.
Apart from its nursery program, Front Range Bio also has a breeding program aimed at understanding the biology and genome of hemp plants. This knowledge allows them to accelerate the breeding process and create improved varieties with commercially relevant traits. By genetically screening seedlings, Front Range Bio can identify specific markers associated with desirable traits like cannabinoid production or disease resistance. This enables them to select the strongest plants during natural selection processes.
While genetic profiling technology has provided an advantage in crop selection, Vaught emphasizes that its true potential will be realized over time. He draws a parallel to the race to sequence the human genome, highlighting that biology is far more complex than initially anticipated. It will take years of research by multiple institutions to fully understand the crop’s genetics on a level similar to corn or wheat.
In addition to genetic complexities, one of the biggest challenges facing the hemp industry is scalability. Vaught notes that while it is relatively easy to grow a few acres of hemp, achieving millions of acres on a global scale is a different matter. To overcome this hurdle, the industry will need to adopt mechanical harvesting and mass transportation techniques seen in conventional agriculture. Industrial standards will become the norm, and companies that combine these standards with a deep understanding of cannabis will thrive in the competitive landscape.
Despite the growth potential and investment influx into the industry, Vaught warns that rigor, validation, and scientific processes are essential for ensuring high-quality and safe products. Many companies are entering the market without proper scrutiny, which could potentially harm consumers or tarnish the reputation of the industry as a whole. It is crucial for investors and individuals considering involvement in the industry to approach it with caution and prioritize quality and safety.
As the US hemp industry continues to evolve, experienced companies like Front Range Biosciences that possess expertise in hemp cultivation and genetics will likely remain at the forefront. Their commitment to producing pathogen-free plants and utilizing genetic screening techniques positions them well for success in an increasingly competitive market.
