Anndrea Hermann M.Sc, B.GS, P.Ag, President of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and Industrial Hemp Lecturer for Oregon State University College of Forestry (WSE 266), discusses how the development of short stature hemp cultivars have supported the Canadian hemp industry focus on farming for seed and seed oil, and addresses the need for specific infrastructure currently holding back hemp fiber industry expansion in North America. 

There is opportunity for growth if investment in the processing of hemp fiber is made. The plants are not taken full advantage of in their fiber use because it has been cost prohibitive to ship the hemp bales. The bales must go to decortication factories for separation to bast and hurd and there are few facilities close to the farmers. 

More processing infrastructure in locations close to the farmers would allow for more economical shipping and expansion and growth in hemp fiber farming. This development will be key for sustainable building materials, paper and more. 

Farmers in the United States, specifically Colorado, who are pushing forward in the planting of hemp will need these processing facilities as well, and by investing now we can begin proactive movement forward in sustainability.