Charlotte’s Web Holdings (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQX: CWBHF) has entered into a research initiative with Rodale Institute and Natural Care to pioneer regenerative organic hemp farming.
The company is partnering with Rodale Institute, a Pennsylvania-based organization engaged in regenerative organic agriculture, to advance the development of healthy agriculture practices for the burgeoning hemp industry.
Natural Care, one of the largest and only regenerative organic hemp research and cultivation operations in the country, is funding the multi-year research initiative. In collaboration with Rodale Institute, Natural Care will oversee and host the research at the Pocono Organics farm.
The research will be conducted at Pocono Organics, a start-up regenerative organic farm in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. The research will be jointly published by Charlotte’s Web, Natural Care, and Rodale Institute to help promote regenerative organic farming practices in the hemp industry.
Organic Agriculture
Over the past five years, Charlotte’s Web has been transitioning its hemp farming from conventional to sustainable organic agriculture practices.
Regenerative organic agriculture, which has been pioneered and led by Rodale Institute for more than 70 years, goes beyond simply “sustainable” by supporting the ecosystem’s natural tendency to regenerate.
“We’re very proud to be an active partner supporting this research, which aims to bring regenerative agriculture to hemp in this region of the country, through our collaboration with Rodale Institute, Natural Care, and Pocono Organics,” Charlotte’s Web CEO Deanie Elsner stated.
“As the industry leader, Charlotte’s Web aims to continually raise the bar for responsible hemp farming practices. It is our intent that the data from this research will support furthering sustainability for hemp farming,” Elsner added.
Benefits
Hemp has shown a powerful potential to promote soil health, which is critical for supporting cleaner water and air as healthy soil can store a significant amount of greenhouse gases. A Rodale Institute study estimates that converting the world’s croplands and pastures to regenerative organic agriculture could offset an entire year’s worth of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
“As hemp farming returns to the United States, we’re excited to lead the way in working with farmers to grow this crop without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and in a way that supports soil health and the health of people and the planet,” Rodale Institute Executive Director Jeff Moyer stated.
“Rodale Institute’s research on hemp, now in its third year, is focusing on the crop’s ability to suppress weeds, one of the greatest challenges for organic farmers, while improving yields for subsequent crops and reducing tillage. Preliminary results are promising, showing hemp as a viable cash and cover crop option for farmers. “We’re proud to be working with industry partners who can roll out these regenerative practices at scale around the country,” Moyer noted.
The expanded research at the Pocono Organics farm examines new CBD varieties that grow differently, comparing the impact on soil health, nutrient consumption, and the ability to suppress weeds.
Furthermore, Charlotte’s Web is also using the research to determine the best hemp varieties to grow in a large portion of the Appalachian Region including New York state, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.