Key Challenges for Farmers Growing CBD Seed in Virginia

Virginia’s hemp market is growing rapidly. In 2019, more than 800 farmers registered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be able to grow industrial hemp within state borders. And since the CBD industry is projected to reach 26.6 billion by 2026, the number of farmers growing hemp seed in Virginia is expected to increase exponentially over the next few years. However, while there is a monumental opportunity to profit, there are some key challenges that Virginia hemp growers will need to overcome. Here’s what we can expect.

Challenges & Solutions for Growing CBD Seed in Virginia

2019 brought many challenges to light for Virginia hemp farmers. As we head into another growing season, farmers are now more aware of what they may encounter and are more prepared than the year before. Here are some of the most common challenges for growing high CBD hemp seed and clones in Virginia.

#1. Large numbers of applicants

Last year, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services saw hundreds of applications come through their office for industrial hemp cultivation. This year, the department was more prepared for the processing period so that growers could receive their license on time. Moving forward, we don’t expect for this to be a huge challenge in the future, but it is something to be aware of because it’s still a possibility.

Our advice: Apply early. The early bird gets the worm… or, in this case, the much needed thumbs up from the department.

#2: Hot crops

Hot crops are one of the most common problem plaguing hemp farmers today. CBD seed is planted in Virginia in the spring, but rising summer temperatures can cause a spike in THC content. Currently, Virginia farmers are advocating for changes to THC laws. But until this happens, it’s important to monitor THC content.

Our advice: Buy seeds with a high CBD ratio and test crops regularly.

#3: Shortage of processors

One of the main challenges that Virginia hemp farmers faced in 2019 was that there were too many farmers and not enough processors. That’s why this year, many companies decided to vertically integrate. However, it could be challenging for new farmers to make connections.

Our advice: Network, network, network. You have to put effort into building good relationships with processors. Once you find one, make sure you spend time creating a strong connection and maintaining good communication. You may not be their first customer, but you could end up being their favorite. And if you have trouble finding a processing facility, you can always reach out to your account manager at CBD Seed Co. for help.

Buy High Quality CBD Hemp Seeds for your Virginia Farm

If you want to be a successful hemp farmer in Virginia, you have to start with high quality CBD seed. Good seed with high CBD ratios and good genetics is crucial for obtaining desirable results from your harvest at the end of the season. Call today to place your order with CBD Seed Co.