Seed production has been a leading segment for hemp, after some evolution from a broad pool of cannabis genetics.  Contemporary hemp seed breeding did not begin in 2018 as federal legalization did, but dates back to the 2014 Farm Bill and the pilot production that lent form to nascent markets.  

Early movers like Charlotte’s Web met a need that addressed severe medical conditions when comparable relief wasn’t available elsewhere. They developed – and protected – CBD rich cultivars to secure their supply chain for a growing product line and increasing sales volume.  

2019 was nearly indescribable insofar as seed markets and the range or participants.  Widespread fraud generated millions of dollars in profits for bad actors and well intentioned – though incompetent – new entrants alike.  Abundant litigation over seed transactions complements the pool of bankruptcies that have also defined the early hemp industry. 

The USDA…