5 Things To Know About Organic Hemp Farming

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between organic hemp farming and traditional hemp farming, you’re not alone. It is important to know the difference, though, especially if you are considering purchasing products that contain hemp, such as CBD. Find out all you need to know about the differences in the process and production of hemp with this detailed outline of the three things you need to know about organic hemp farming.

1) What is Organic Hemp Farming?

Organic hemp is often the preferred form of hemp because it is grown using organic farming processes and practices. The final product originates from organic hemp seeds that have not been exposed, modified or even treated by chemicals that are foreign. The key element of organic hemp farming is to work with nature versus producing artificially-grown vegetation.

In order for organic farmers to gain certification for the hemp they grow, the USDA has deemed five standards that must be met:

1. Farmers must prove that the soil is fertile, able to resist disease, tolerate insects and survive drought.
2. Hemp farmers must use organic seeds and even planting stocks so that the integrity of the crop is maintained.
3. Pest management cannot include chemicals or foreign substances and must rely solely on what the USDA deems the PAMS strategy which consists of prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression.
4. Organic hemp farmers must take part in crop rotation to increase the biodiversity of the farm, build organic matter, deter soil erosion and suppress plant diseases.
5. Finally, hemp farmers must ensure that their organic crops are not in contact with conventional or traditionally-grown crops, as well as prevent exposure of fertilizers or pesticides to the hemp crops.

2) How do Organic and Conventional Farming Methods Differ From One Another?

While careful planning and steps are taken to ensure organic hemp is not exposed to pesticides, fertilizers and artificial agents, conventional hemp farming takes more of a mainstream approach in the agricultural industry.

Conventional hemp farmers grow hemp in mass, using artificial means, to make more profits on industrial hemp that is commonly used for feed, fuel, food and building materials. In addition, conventional hemp farming requires much more acreage to mass produce. For example, when traditional hemp farmers grow for the mass market, the planting rate averages at 100 plants per square meter whereas organic hemp farmers separate plants so that approximately 1,000 plants consume one acre.

3) Why Should You Demand Organic Hemp?

It’s important that you are choosing CBD and hemp products that have been grown organically. Why? Primarily, this is a smart move because organic CBD and hemp undergoes much more inspection than conventional hemp farms do on a regular basis. Organic hemp farmers adhere to guidelines and standards to gain organic certification from the government, which means, as a consumer, you know that the end result is a product that has been deemed safer and more pure.

You have choices when it comes to purchasing hemp and CBD products. Choosing hemp that has been produced organically is a natural choice and one that can offer many more benefits in the future.