Green Point Research (GPR), a phytocannabinoid rich biomass originator and processor, has announced the rollout of its Farmers First initiative, a unique pilot program to restore struggling and defunct farms in Florida by helping them grow industrial hemp.

Hemp is a low maintenance, high-yield crop that can grow with little to no pesticides. It can be cultivated for more than 25,000 industrial uses, including clothing, nutritional supplements, biodegradable plastics, fuel, and more.

Colorado is currently the country’s leader in hemp production with more than 30,000 registered acres of hemp crops.

“Hemp plants are the way of the future,” GPR CEO David Hasenauer said in a statement. “Our research has proven hemp to be a viable, sustainable, and cost-effective crop for Florida. We intend to use our expertise in growing and producing hemp to help our farmers thrive and positively impact the economic development of our communities.”

Pilot Program

GPR’s pilot program is already underway, beginning with the restoration of Boynton Beach’s family-owned-and-operated farm, Whitworth Farms, once known locally for having the finest farm-fresh tomatoes, before the lowered price of imported tomatoes drove them out of business.

GPR took possession of Whitworth Farms in April this year. The design work, engineering, and architecture are already in progress. GPR aims to have the farm operational, with hemp seeds planted by the end of 2019 in accordance with rules to be promulgated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Wade Glenn Whitworth Jr., a third generation produce farmer and 7th generation Floridian, is directly involved in the project.

“I cannot express in words what this program means to me and my family,” stated Whitworth Jr. “Through this program, it is my understanding that Green Point Research aims to revive Florida’s once major agricultural industry, and we are grateful to be a part of the up and coming hemp industry.”

GPR is dedicated to upholding good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure product safety and intends to roll out this Initiative, first introduced at Whitworth Farms, to other family farms across the state.

GPR wants to help families see their businesses strive once again with their new, world-class facilities. The company is establishing a network of farms throughout the state to reinvigorate local economies through industrial hemp farming, processing, and sale of downstream commodities.