Hemp seed market expected to grow over next three years

By Chuck Cannon

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

AUSTIN, Texas – Pat Miller, director, State Affairs, American Seed Trade Association, was guest speaker at a concurrent workshop for Laws, Regs and Other Considerations When Buying Hemp Seed during the 101st Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention and Trade Show in Austin, Texas Jan. 20.

Miller began his presentation by pointing out myths associated with hemp seed, including:

  • You can plant hemp and seed and ignore the crop until harvest -- false

  • All hemp seeds are the same – geography doesn’t matter -- false

  • Mixing hemp seed variety A with variety B will yield variety C -- yield

Miller said it’s imperative growers get the quality and type of seed they desire.

“State and federal seed laws are in place for the benefit of the grower,” he said. “Hemp seed laws generally follow state and federal laws.”

Miller pointed out that because hemp is a regulated crop, producers must procure a production license. He said the first thing to consider when buying hemp seed is the purpose of your crop, whether it’s for seed, oil, feed, food or fiber. He also advised to buy seed from a reputable dealer that it has been properly maintained during production so as to ensure variety and purity.

Seed labels should contain information such as brand or species name, weight of the pure seed, weed seed weight and guarantee that the product contains no noxious weeds, Miller said.

“It should also contain the name and address of the company providing the seed, as well as where the seed was grown,” he said.

Label information should also give an indication of the expected germination percentage of the seed and any treatments the seed might have received.

“The information on a seed label should be backed by a test from a seed lab,” Miller said. 

Miller listed as set of questions to ask your seller before buying seed:

  • Are quality control systems in place?

  • Is there information on the variety and heritage of the seed?

  • How can I be sure the seed is distinct, stable and uniform?

You should buy hemp seed with the same discretion used in buying any other crop seed, Miller said. If you can’t determine the seed history, buyer beware!

“Another way to help ensure you are getting viable seed is to ask sellers for references, check with them, then buy from the same source they buy theirs,” Miller said. “And regional advice is better than national device – just because it grows well in one part of the country doesn’t mean it will grow well in another.”

Miller said the future of hemp breeding looks bright.

“New hybrids are coming with stable genetics,” he said. “Certified CBD varieties will become available, along with improved genetic and multi-purpose varieties. Expect a lot of growth over the next three years.”

 

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