Agribusiness
Lisa Test Publication for Practice
Summary
Interest in hemp cultivation for various markets has increased since the 2014 and 2018 US Farm Bills legalized its production. In 2019, there were 114 licensed hemp growers in SC.1 The number of licensed hemp growers will likely increase because hemp is becoming an economically significant agricultural crop in SC.1 Domestic production of hemp has been a slow process in comparison to the supply chain demand in the US. Thus the majority of hemp for food and fiber products has come from Canada and China.2 Cannabidiol (CBD) production is currently the most popular market for hemp in the US. Region-specific recommendations for growing hemp (e.g., specific varieties, irrigation frequency, standard fertility, and weed management) are lacking.3 This article discusses why and how to select hemp varieties and the importance of keeping hemp plants weed-free in coastal SC production systems.
