Last Week’s Hemp Commentary

Water Use Issues Give Oregon Hemp Producers Black Eye

Southern Oregon and Northern California are ideal climates for the production of craft flower for premium markets.  Producers there have sought to take advantage of attractive prices for hemp flower.  This does not make them ideal locations to produce these products, as with other regions, there are challenges beyond that of climate.  Regulatory issues have a much more equitable impact, or will eventually, once the USDA program rules apply to all but Idaho.   

There are many more factors that contribute to a successful hemp crop, like access to agricultural services and products, sufficient labor, and high quality, properly stored seed.  Water is an essential input that some regions take for granted, where east of the Mississippi, water politics are typically development…