Arcadia Specialty Genomics, a division of crop innovation and agricultural food ingredient company Arcadia Biosciences (NASDAQ:RKDA), has unveiled plans for a new sun-grown hemp cultivation and agronomic research facility in Imperial County, Calif.

The company is licensed to produce hemp seed and cultivate hemp and will generate its seed lines and flower for cannabidiol (CBD) oil extraction. Plantings are scheduled to begin October 1.

California Hemp Facility

Arcadia is preparing to expand its technology platform for the research and cultivation of hemp to a second state.

In April, the company opened its first sun-grown facility in Hawaii, capitalizing on the islands’ unique climate and geographic advantages.

Similar to Hawaii, which allows up to three growing cycles per season, Southern California’s temperate winter climate offers favorable conditions for hemp cultivation. The sun shines in Imperial County more, on average, than anywhere else on the U.S. mainland.

“From an agricultural perspective, hemp is decades behind other crops in terms of improved plant genetics, and that starts at the seed level,” stated Matthew Plavan, the CEO of Arcadia Biosciences.

“It’s very difficult to purchase a batch of uniform CBD hemp seed, resulting in unpredictable outcomes for both growers and buyers. Our goal is to reduce these risks by developing a proprietary line of U.S.-grown, genetically superior hemp seeds for the commercial market, and we’re pleased to expand our research in hemp agronomics and seed production here in our home state of California,” Plavan added.