Abstract

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and reemerging in worldwide importance as manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The crop produces a valuable oilseed, rich in Omega-3, and other essential fatty acids that are often absent in western diets. When the oil is extracted from the seed, what remains is a marketable meal co-product, which is used for human and animal consumption. The fiber has high tensile strength and can be used to create cloth, rope, building materials, and even a form of plastic. For twenty years, U.S. entrepreneurs have been importing hemp from China, Eastern Europe, and Canada. Today, industrial hemp is re-emerging as a locally grown product in the U.S. To help farmers succeed, agronomic research on hemp is needed, as much of the historical production knowledge for the region has been lost. In this trial, hemp grain varieties were evaluated to determine best cultivars for the region.

Keywords

Vermont, University of Vermont, UVM Extension, Northwest Crops & Soils

Publication Date

2-2023

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