NC Turns to Fiber Hemp as CBD Slump Lingers
North Carolina farmers, reeling from a collapsing CBD hemp market, now plant fiber hemp as a sustainable alternative, backed by a state grant and NC State research.
Study Spotlights Adapted Varieties
Researchers began studying fiber hemp in 2018 but recorded low yields and high costs. In 2021 they swapped to Australian and Chinese genetics better suited to North Carolina’s climate, dramatically shifting the crop’s outlook.
Assistant Professor David Suchoff of NC State’s Crop and Soil Sciences department leads the project, noting that the new genetics are bred for textile‑grade fiber that can be spun into garments.
His study will now focus on production best practices, weed management and fiber quality, aiming to turn the genetic gains into profitable, scalable production.
Maximizing Biomass
The 2021 varieties delivered a 400‑600% yield boost over the 2018 strains, and this year eight varieties will be tested at three research stations to compare planting dates and biomass output.
“Last year we showed North Carolina could match or exceed global production averages,” Suchoff said, adding that fiber hemp costs roughly $300 per acre, a fraction of the $14,000 per acre required for CBD hemp.
Fiber hemp shows minimal pest or disease pressure, reducing pesticide needs, and its abundant biomass may aid carbon sequestration, though fiber quality genetics remain early‑stage.
Taming Weed Pressure
Weed control remains the biggest challenge since no herbicides are labeled for hemp. Suchoff’s trial uses cover crops in no‑till systems to suppress weeds before they emerge.
“Cover crops mulch the soil, boost organic matter, improve moisture retention and buffer temperature swings, offering a sustainable weed‑management tool for hemp,” he explained.
Refining Fiber Quality
High‑quality fiber is essential for revenue, with potential earnings up to $900 per acre, according to Suchoff’s early calculations.
Three North Carolina farms will host on‑farm trials of the top‑performing varieties, while NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles evaluates fiber density, tensile strength and elongation in its Physical Textiles Laboratory.
To assess fiber, the team built a mobile decorticator with help from NC State’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, enabling field‑scale processing for trials.
Textiles Industry Convenes at Evolving Textiles Conference
Suchoff is co‑organizing the Evolving Textiles Conference on March 16‑17, a two‑day virtual event that brings together breeders, farmers, agronomists and textile manufacturers to share research and build networks.
Day one covers breeding and production challenges with farmer panels, while day two focuses on spinning, product development and downstream applications, featuring Q&A sessions and networking.
“Our goal is to connect researchers, growers, breeders and downstream companies, making the event accessible to anyone from farmers to fashion brands,” Suchoff said.
Fiber Farming Isn’t Either/Or
Suchoff stresses that fiber hemp does not replace cotton but complements it, allowing farmers to diversify and spread risk across crops.
He advises interested growers to begin with a few acres, noting that the market is still developing and the study aims to deliver immediate, actionable recommendations.
Looking for More Alternatives?
The Crop and Soil Sciences research not only informs farmers but also guides students toward agronomy degrees and departmental tours, fostering the next generation of agricultural innovators.
By stewarding North Carolina’s agriculture and environment through science, the university is growing the future of sustainable fiber production.
