• Home >
• Hemp Research
• > History

Fueling Innovation and Boosting Agricultural Sustainability with Industrial Hemp (FIBAS)

Emerging Innovations in Fiber Hemp: A Versatile Link Connecting Small- and Medium-Scale Farmers and Veterans to New Market Opportunities in Textiles, Bioplastics, and Sustainable Construction

Leveraging Financial and Market Incentives to Build a Stronger Fiber Hemp Industry

With growing demand for fiber hemp in textiles, bioplastics, and sustainable construction, new financial and market incentives are now available to support small- and medium-scale farmers and veterans in making the transition to this emerging industry. These opportunities aim to lower obstacles to entry, increase profitability, and promote long-term success in fiber hemp production

Why Fiber Hemp? The Market Shift from Floral/CBD Hemp to Industrial Use

🔹 The Decline of Floral/CBD Hemp → Farmers experienced market oversaturation, regulatory challenges, and price drops.
🔹 The Rise of Fiber Hemp → Unlike CBD, fiber hemp is driving demand in textiles, bioplastics, and sustainable construction industries.

Industrial hemp is a game-changing crop for sustainable agriculture. With rapid growth, high biomass yield, and carbon sequestration capabilities, it offers significant environmental benefits while opening doors to new market opportunities.

Our Study Focus

We are exploring industrial hemp’s role in:

✅ Carbon Sequestration: Measuring how effectively hemp absorbs CO₂ compared to other crops.

✅ Soil Health Enhancement: Studying hemp’s impact on soil organic matter, aeration, and erosion control.

✅ Sustainable Biomass Use: Investigating hemp fiber and hurd applications in bio-based construction, bioplastics, and other carbon-negative industries.

✅ Lifecycle Analysis: Assessing hemp’s contribution to greenhouse gas reduction.

By incorporating hemp into their farming practices, growers can improve soil resilience, boost productivity, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system.

Financial and Market Incentives for Farmers

🔹 Transition Assistance & Cost-Reduction Strategies

• Resources for reducing input costs in hemp farming.
• Support from public and private partnerships for infrastructure and equipment.
• Access to technical assistance and market integration programs.

🔹 Market-Driven Profitability

• Growing buyer demand for domestic fiber hemp.
• Expanding contract opportunities for farmers.
• Potential for premium pricing in emerging industries.

📌 Steps for Small-Scale and Veteran Farmers to Participate:
🔹 Learn from TSU’s research and farmer education programs.
🔹 Explore financing and technical support options.
🔹 Network with industry buyers and cooperative markets.
🔹 Access resources on best practices for fiber hemp cultivation.

Be Part of the Future of Farming, Join the Movement!

We are looking for dedicated growers to participate in our fiber hemp initiative and help shape the future of agricultural innovation! If you are interested in growing industrial hemp and contributing to sustainable agriculture, take our [Farmer Recruitment Survey] to get involved. 

Stay Connected!
📢 Sign up for research updates
📩 Contact the TSU Department of Agriculture for more information

TSU’s Legacy in Hemp Research

Since 2018, TSU has been at the forefront of hemp research, studying multiple cultivars to determine the best varieties for Tennessee farmers. Our team of soil scientists, geneticists, economists, and food scientists is developing innovative solutions, including hemp-based products and soil reclamation strategies.