Industrial hemp can be a viable option in South Carolina

14 Feb '19

2 min read

Courtesy: Clemson/Public Service and Agriculture

Industrial hemp production can be a viable alternative for South Carolina farmers, say crop and agribusiness agents of the Clemson Cooperative Extension of the Clemson University. Experts there said industrial hemp grew well in the state during 2018. Twenty farmers received permits to grow industrial hemp there in 2017-2018 as part of a pilot.

Clemson officials teamed with industrial hemp industry associates for a session at the 2019 S.C. AgriBiz and Farm Expo in Florence about the state’s hemp crop.

David DeWitt, Clemson Extension agent and agronomic crops program team member in Lee County, said interest in industrial hemp is increasing in the agricultural community.

As hemp is a relatively new crop, there are still several steps to take before there are labeled fungicides, herbicides and pesticides such as those afforded traditional crops, according to a release from the university.

Hemp-based product sales in the United States are projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2022, said Nathan Smith, a Clemson Extension economist.

Uses for industrial hemp are immense, including using the fibre to create fabrics, handbags, denim, diapers, socks, shoes and more. Hemp hurds, which come from the woody inner part of the stalks, can be used to create paper, cardboard, packaging materials, building materials, mulch and more.

Hemp seeds can be used in foods such as granola and bird seeds. Hemp oil is used to create foods such as salad oils and margarine. The oil also is used to produce printing inks, fuel, soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene products. Cannabinoids, or CBDs, are chemical compounds found in hemp plants and are used to treat some common ailments. (DS)

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