Scientists take a look at fiber hemp for ‘eternally chemical compounds’ cleanup as farmer income collapse

Scientists and policymakers are exploring fiber hemp’s potential to soak up poisonous chemical compounds like PFAS or seize carbon in soil, however these potential advantages have but to translate right into a dependable, worthwhile marketplace for growers.

Fiber hemp manufacturing within the U.S. surged to a file excessive in 2024, however farmers are incomes far much less from the crop than they have been just some years in the past, in keeping with new USDA knowledge launched April 17.

Fiber hemp refers to hemp grown for its stalks, that are processed into supplies like insulation, textiles, rope, and constructing composites. It’s distinct from floral hemp, which is grown for CBD and different cannabinoids.

In response to the USDA’s 2024 and 2025 nationwide hemp studies, farmers bought 59.1 million kilos of fiber hemp in 2024, up 114% from 2021. But income over the identical interval dropped almost 73%, falling from $41.45 million to $11.23 million.

Fiber hemp was as soon as promoted as a promising money crop: In 2021, farmers earned about $1.50 per pound. By 2024, the common sale value had dropped to only $0.19. That’s a 73% value collapse, whilst volumes have soared.

Fiber hemp additionally expanded its footprint. In 2024, farmers harvested 18,855 acres of fiber hemp, up 56% from 2023. That’s greater than half of all U.S. hemp acres harvested, making fiber hemp the dominant selection for the primary time because the USDA started monitoring it. 

Nonetheless, its yield fell to three,205 kilos in 2024, down 848 kilos from the yr earlier than, in keeping with the USDA’s 2025 report.

Whereas fiber hemp’s profitability declined, floral hemp grown within the open accounted for roughly 87% of the U.S. hemp trade’s complete worth in 2024, an estimated $386 million out of $445 million general, in keeping with the USDA’s 2025 report.

Seed hemp worth jumped 482% yr over yr, and complete U.S. hemp manufacturing throughout all classes rose 40%. 

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