Evolving Textiles at NCSU

Earlier in the summer, Anthony and I attended the Evolving Textiles Hemp Conference at NCSU. This was a two-day event with about 50 people coming from all over to discuss the industry of American hemp fiber.

Dr. Andre West from the Wilson College of Textiles rocking a Hempsmith cap.

The Wilson College of Textiles at NC State hosted the event. It was great going back. I reconnected with professors and classmates from my university years (I graduated in 2020).

 We got to visit research plots where NCSU Alternative Crops is studying the cultivation of industrial hemp. They’re testing the crop for nitrogen requirements, spacing, processing, and selecting varieties suited for our climate here in NC.

There were farmers, processors, mills, seed importers, brands and more represented at the round table discussion. A question would be asked, and we would chew on it as a group. I learned a lot.

 I heard the term “regenerative ag” thrown around a few times and many people acknowledged the opportunity to create a restorative supply chain in this new industry.  Eric Henry from TS Designs made the point that we need to keep our farmers whole and make sure they can grow hemp profitably.

Anthony in the hemp fields!

With a tour by David Suchoff at NCSU Alternative crops

The farmer can’t take on all the risk of growing this new crop. Unlike a lot of industrial farming, hemp does not yet come with big subsidy checks or price guarantees.

This requires brands and processors to back them up as they begin experimenting.

I learned that hemp fiber has a complex supply chain and the bottlenecks in America are vast. We simply don’t have the infrastructure in place considering hemp was illegal for over 80 years (recently legalized in the 2018 farm bill).

But there is a bright future for American hemp textiles. It won’t be long before we have domestic fiber for our clothing at Hempsmith. Smart people are getting behind it and big money is moving into the space.

We left feeling motivated. Inspired by the budding industry of American hemp fiber.

Walking to the Hemp Fields