Hemp A Natural Transition For Tobacco Growers

At least 28 states have now approved legislation for growing hemp in research projects and studies.  Tony Finch is a hemp Certified Master Grower from Spring Hope, NC, he says hemp is proving to be much more profitable than his traditional crop.

“Hemp is showing the profit margins to be well above tobacco, and that was the main cash crop here in North Carolina for generations.  Great-granddaddy, granddaddy, my dad and we all took care of the families, made the money off of that one crop and that’s not an option anymore.”

Finch also notes tobacco numbers have been slowly decreasing for the past 3-5 years.  He added the transition from tobacco to industrial hemp is a natural one.

“We’re use to growing tobacco, which is very labor intensive.  It’s hands on from the time you put it in the ground to the time you sell it, so we are accustomed and used to working hard with a crop and being hands on with it, to be able to get it to market.”

Finch said the growing conditions in the Southeast are well suited for hemp.  He also believes that the manufacturing side of industry will develop rapidly, encouraging the expansion of the industrial hemp movement around the country.

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