Charlotte’s Web Announces Hemp Farming Research Initiative
Charlotte’s Web, a market leader in hemp CBD extract products, has entered into a research initiative with Rodale Institute and Natural Care to pioneer regenerative organic hemp farming. The research will be conducted at Pocono Organics, a start-up regenerative organic farm in Long Pond, Pennyslvania.
As people become increasingly aware of the benefits of organic and regenerative agriculture for their health and the health of the planet, Charlotte’s Web is partnering with Rodale Institute, the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture, to advance the development of healthy agriculture practices. 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.
Over the past five years, Charlotte’s Web has been transitioning its hemp farming from conventional to sustainable organic agriculture practices. It already has certain cultivation fields that have been certified organic as it pursues broad organic certification for its end products. This new research initiative will take that effort further.
“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,” said Deanie Elsner, CEO of Charlotte’s Web. “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.”
“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,” said Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute executive director.
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.
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.
“We know that research is a key component for transitioning conventional and organic agricultural practices to regenerative organic standards — both to promote soil sustainability and to increase hemp crop quality,” said Ashley Walsh, president and found of Natural Care and its sister company Pocono Organics. “So it was a priority for us to provide the financial and farm resources to not only bring this vital hemp research to life, but to also stand alongside industry leaders Rodale Institute and Charlotte’s Web in this mission.”
