Burgeoning Hemp Industry Gains a Foothold in Walla Walla County

Sharp-eyed travelers on Middle Waitsburg road might have noticed a distinctive looking crop on a field there this summer. The large, leafy plant seen growing is hemp, and a nearby sign identifies the company associated with it as New West Genetics. New West Genetics develops seed varietals for products intended for the nutraceutical cannabinoid industry, the brewery industry, and in the human/animal food nutrition markets.

Although the crop may look like marijuana, it is specifically bred as a "low THC cannabis." THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, paving the way for the wholly legal cultivation, possession, sale and distribution of the hemp plant.

One application for hemp is with the nutraceutical or 'bioceutical' market. A nutraceutical is a pharmaceutical alternative which claims physiological benefits. The compound CBD or cannabidiol, when developed in the hemp plant, is said to have beneficial effects across a wide range of uses, including for those with epilepsy, migraines or arthritis. Estimates of retail sales of CBD consumer products in 2018 ranged between $600 million and $2 billion, with a projected growth to $16 billion in 2025, according to Forbes Magazine.

The use of hemp in brewing is an emerging market as well. Hemp varieties exhibit aromatic qualities similar to and different from traditional hops varieties used in the brewing industry. This differentiation provides entirely new avenues of flavoring and aroma opportunities to beer makers in the evolving craft beer market.

Hemp as a grain has a uniquely nutritious fatty acid and protein profile that contains an optimum ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. This ratio is most closely matched by fish oil, however hemp has the added benefit on the environment of being a much more sustainable source for these fatty acids. 

On the protein side, the grain contains all of the 9 essential amino acids, comparable with soy, however hemp amino acids have shown to be more digestible. In addition, hemp grain contains healthy amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and copper.

New West Genetics does not sell seed directly but does partner with qualified farmers for research and development purposes. The company was not available for comment at press time, so the extent of the hemp production in Walla Walla County, or the specific type of hemp being grown nearby is unclear. The worldwide market for industrial hemp was estimated to be $3.9 billion and growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%.