Hemp legalization's impact on sustainable agriculture in North America

How has Legalization of Hemp in North America Impacted Sustainable Agriculture in the Region?
Table of Contents
1 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 4
1.1 Background 4
1.2 Significance of the Problem 4
1.3 Research Objective 4
1.4 Research Question 5
2 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW 6
2.1 Introduction 6
2.2 Background 6
2.3 Theoretical Framework 7
2.3.1 Triple Bottom Line Theory 7
2.4 Empirical Literature Review 8
2.5 Summary 13
3 CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 14
3.1 Introduction 14
3.2 Research Paradigm 14
3.3 Research Approach 14
3.4 Research Design 14
3.5 Target Population and Research Sampling 15
3.6 Research Instrument 15
3.7 Interview Questions 16
3.7.1 Environmental Impact 16
3.7.2 Economic Impact 16
3.7.3 Soil Remediation 16
3.8 Validity and Reality 17
3.9 Data Collection 17
3.10 Data Analysis 18
3.11 Ethical Issues 18
3.12 Research Study Limitations 18
4 CHAPTER IV: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS 20
4.1 Introduction 20
4.2 Economic Impact 21
4.2.1 Integration of Hemp Impacting Economic Outcomes 21
4.2.2 Economic Opportunities Brought by Cultivation of Hemp 23
4.2.3 Commercial Viability of Hemp 24
4.3 Environmental Impact 25
4.3.1 Impact of Hemp on Environmental Sustainability 25
4.3.2 Soil Remediation 26
4.3.3 Correlation between Hemp Cultivation and Environmental Improvement 27
4.3.4 Hemp Cultivation and Impact on Global Warming 29
4.4 Social Impact 30
4.4.1 Agricultural and Community Impact 30
5 CHPATER V: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 32
5.1 Summary and Conclusion 32
5.2 Strengths and Limitations of the Study and Recommendations for Future Research 32
5.3 Practice and Policy Implications 33
5.3.1 Implications for the Agricultural Industry 33
5.3.2 Implications for the Learning Establishments 34
5.3.3 Implications for the Government 34
6 REFERENCES 36


Table of Figures
Figure 1: U.S Hemp-Based Products Sales 2012 - 2022 10
Figure 2: U.S Hemp-Based Product Sales by Category in 2017 11




CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Background
Akin to any other industry, the economics surrounding hemp has a key role in ascertaining the impending market shares that any products derived from hemp may have. This takes into account the native economics for the farmers and also the global markets for exportation and importation. From a local perspective, the economics of hemp farming comprises of the expenditures and profitability to the farmer, to the local community in its entirety and the accessibility of infrastructure to facilitate the transportation, processing, and manufacturing of hemp products. Recent reports regarding hemp growing in North America have indicated considerable profits to the farmers and their community (Young, 2005). From an environmental perspective, owing to its resiliency, hemp is considered to be a natural approach to cleaning up soil pollution. This is for the reason that it facilitates the absorption of carbon dioxide as it grows and develops through natural photosynthesis. In addition, hemp can be employed as a form of fabric within the textile industry. This is because not only does the crop necessitate smaller land for growing compared to other crops such as cotton, it is also durable and can be manufactured into different colours. Primary data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, discussions and participatory methods of farmers, product retailers, dept of agriculture employees and soil scientist. Case studies will provide in-depth information about specific utilization and trends related to the hemp integration in current agricultural processes, which can then be drawn upon to generate insights. The goal is to ascertain what impact if any is Hemp having on sustainable agriculture in North America over the last three to five years.
Significance of the Problem
The endeavor and objective of sustainable development is a humanitarian, even-handed, and caring international society, aware of the necessity for human self-worth for all. This is founded on three autonomous constituents comprising of social development, economic development, and environmental safety. In particular, sustainability purposes to attain the efficacious use of resources in the contemporary with a plan for future needs of the resources (Buescher et al., 2001). Nonetheless, sustainable development goes beyond simply growth and development. In particular, sustainable development permits for growth devoid of utilizing substance and vitality that surpasses the reformative and absorptive qualities (Goodland and Day, 1996). According to the authors, social sustainability is generated by orderly engagement of the community. Secondly, economic sustainability sustains different kinds of capital comprising of man-made, natural, human and social capital. Third, environmental sustainability endeavors to enhance human and social well-being through safety of raw material sources employed to require needs. The emphasis of environmental safety is to generate waste consumption products that are not detrimental but rather beneficial to humans (Lin, 2005).
Research Objective
The main objective of the study is to ascertain the impact of hemp cultivation into facilitating sustainable agriculture in North America.
The study is centered on the triple bottom line theory and therefore includes the following research objectives:
1. To highlight the economic impact of Hemps integration into sustainable agriculture in North America?
2. To highlight the social impact of Hemps integration into sustainable agriculture in North America?
3. To highlight the environmental impact of Hemps integration into sustainable agriculture in North America?
Research Question
The general research question of the research study is:
How has Hemps integration into agriculture in North America impacted sustainable agriculture in North America?
The research question is further subcategorized into the following:
4. What is the economic impact of Hemps integration into sustainable agriculture in North America?
5. What is the social impact of Hemps integration into sustainable agriculture in North America?
6. What is the environmental impact of Hemps integration into sustainable agriculture in North America?






CHAPTER II: EMPIRICAL REVIEW
Introduction
The aim of this research study was to examine the impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture in North America. This chapter provides a detailed review of existing research on the subject matter at hand. First, the theoretical background of the study is provided, clearly delineating hemp as a commodity. Next, wide ranging emphasis is placed on literature linked to the impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture based on different empirical studies. Lastly, a summary of the review will be provided in addition to pointing out some of the research gaps and laying emphasis on the focus of this research study.
Background
Hemp is deemed to have significant benefits to agricultural sustainability. The plant is less vulnerable to changes in weather and other environmental conditions as compared to other crops such as cotton. The inference of this is that there is a greater likelihood of farmers generating profit from their investment with the cultivation of industrial hemp and have the ability to grow a significant amount of the crop in a comparatively small acreage (Miller, 2015). Secondly, industrial hemp crops are beneficial in soil enrichment. The growth pattern of the hemp product naturally generates soil with additional nutrients. Owing to the reason that the dense leaves hinder sunlight, there results in a small number of weeds growing amongst the industrial hemp crops. Furthermore, the deep roots of the plant aid in the provision of nitrogen together with other minerals to the earth and at the same time diminishing the salinity of the groundwater together with decreasing topsoil erosion. Most of all, hemp is suitable for compositing in farming other crops such as soy and wheat (Miller, 2015).
As a commodity, hemp can offer sustainable solution to consumers and farmers. In the contemporary, unsustainable crop growing, linked with high input-high impact crops is an international issue. In addition, the utilization of non-renewable resources has been associated with global climate change and a decrease in both the amounts of water and quality of air in the environment. Moreover, increasing populaces and incessantly increasing resource demand makes the exhaustion of non-renewable resources unavoidable taking into account the prevailing dependency (Harris, 2002). Industrial hemp is cost-effective for crop rotation. The key benefit is that it facilitates sustainable agriculture. Industrial hemp makes an ideal rotation crop owing to the aforementioned aspects but also for the reason that there is a huge market for the plant in the United States and therefore farmers will be able to run sustainable businesses. In recent years, the growing of industrial hemp has been legalized and this has prompted increased cultivation of the crop. The main objective of this literature review is to ascertain what impact if any Hemp is having on sustainable agriculture in North America over the last three to five years.


Theoretical Framework
Triple Bottom Line Theory
Triple Bottom Line is a concept that was created by Elkington (1997) that articulates the development of the environmental agenda in a manner that incorporates with the economic and social lines. The triple bottom line approach purposes to more precisely value assets and leverage resources, in order for capital to be utilized as efficaciously and efficiently as possible. The theory is at times alluded to as the 3Ps (people, planet, profit), triple value addition, and blended value (Emerson, 2003). Triple bottom line philosophy is notified by and is linked to the conception of sustainable development – the principle that development ought to take place in manners that address the needs of present generations and at the same time sustaining conditions and prospects for forthcoming generations to do the same (Hammer and Pivo, 2017). Intrinsic in the delineation of sustainable development at the notions of environmental stewardship and intergenerational and intergenerational impartiality. Endeavors to delineate and address sustainability were generated from the acknowledgement that prevailing development patterns cannot carry on devoid of ruining the environmental systems essential to maintain life and economies, and that important incongruence within and between generations is neither viable, moral, not in line with development objectives (Roberts and Cohen, 2002). Triple bottom line offers a context for measuring the performance of the business and the achievement of the organization utilizing the economic, social, and environmental facets.
Economic Line
The economic line of the triple bottom line framework alludes to the effect of the entity’s business practices and activities on the economic system. It encompasses the capacity of the economy as one of the sub-groups of sustainability to endure and progress into the future so as to support forthcoming generations. In accordance to Alhaddi (2015), the economic line is linked to the growth and development of the entity to the growth and development of the economy and the manner in which it makes a contribution to back it up. Basically, it lays emphasis on the economic value offered by the organization to the neighboring system in a manner that thrives it and promotes for its capacity to support the generations to come (Elkington, 1997).
Social Line
The social line of the triple bottom line framework takes into account undertaking beneficial and equitable practices to the labor, human capital and to the community. This notion is that these practices render value to the society and help the community (Elkington, 1997). Fitting examples of these actions might comprise of health care coverage and equitable compensations. Apart from the moral element of being good to the society, overlooking social responsibility can have an impact on not only the performance but also the sustainability of the business. According to research undertaken by Alhaddi (2015), entities incur economic costs when they choose to ignore social responsibility. Imperatively, the social performance lays emphasis on the interrelation between the community and the entity and takes into consideration issues linked to community participation, employee associations and equitable remunerations (Goel, 2010).
Environmental Line
The environmental line of the triple bottom line framework takes into account being involved in practices that are not in concession of the environmental resources for forthcoming generations. It relates to the efficacious use of energy resources, diminishing greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviating the ecological footprint. Akin to the social element of the triple bottom line, environmental initiatives have an effect in the business sustainability of the entity (Goel, 2010).
Empirical Review
Hemp has been a significant crop in the course of human history for the purposes of food, medication, as well as fiber. In spite of the major substantial advancement made by the global research community, there continues to be an insufficiency in regards to research concerning this topic. Being a plant that is domesticated, hemp has numerous advantages such as eradication of any form of seed shattering, improving not only the quality but also the quantity of the stem fiber and also augmenting carbon capture. In the contemporary, there is also the need for capitalizing on optimizing hemp for sustainability purposes (Schluttenhofer and Yuan, 2017). In this section, we review the various scholarly literatures undertaken by researchers regarding hemp and sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable hemp seed, fiber and oil continue to be utilized in raw materials in huge corporations, including The Body Shop, Ford Motors, and also Patagonia, in the production of a wide range of products. Nonetheless, majority of hemp product manufacturers are enforced to import hemp seed, oil and fiber from agronomists situated in Europe, China and Canada. This is for the reason that American farmers and proscribed by legislation from growing this sustainable crop that necessitates low input. Statistics indicate that in the 2012 fiscal year, the valuation of the American hemp industry was $500 million in yearly retail sales and growing for all hemp products (Yonavjack, 2013).
Hempseed production has been comparatively thriving and successful in Canada. There are several claims and assertions that industrial hemp could substantially transform the American economy in a beneficial manner. However, it is imperative to bear in mind that there has more often than not been unwarranted eagerness and interest for diversification and newfangled crops. Whereas there is seemingly good potential for growth and expansion of the hemp industry within North America, this has also been the very same instance for several other crops in the past five decades. There have been exceedingly expectant claims for crops broadcasted as having significant potential, but a small number of them have in fact attained such potential (Cherney and Small, 2016).
Hempseed has significantly more potential as an oilseed crop than as a source of fiber. This benefit has largely been perceived in North America. Notably, Canada has grown to be the chief nation of hempseed production from the time the industrial crop was reintroduced in the nation in 1998. The nutritional benefits of hempseed and hempseed oil are rapidly attaining recognition in North America, and there is a rapid increase in sales of these hempseed products. Taking into consideration that majority of hempseed is at the present moment grown for human consumption, and the seed and oil have restricted shelf life, domestic production is beneficial to evade rancidity preceding any kind of consumption. In addition, there is a fast growing market for organically-produced foods in North America, and organic accreditation of hempseed from outside North America is challenging (Fike, 2016).
The fundamental necessity of the oilseed hemp industry takes into account the development of cultivars that generate high yields in order to increase the competitiveness of hempseed as compared to other oilseeds. The current level of production of oilseed hemp stands at approximately 1 to 1.5 tonne for every hectare under proper climatic conditions. Nonetheless, this is yet to be an adequate level for the crop to be an intense rival to major oilseeds. Imperatively, a mean throughput of at least 2 tonnes for every hectare will be essential for the transformation of hempseed into a major oilseed, an objective that is in fact attainable. In the contemporary setting, losses of about 30 percent of the seed output are frequent and therefore enhancements in harvesting know-how ought to also add to greater yields. Hemp food products cannot evade their niche market position and status up until the price of hempseed intensely competes with that of other oilseeds, especially sunflower and flax seeds (Johnson, 2018).
Despite the fact that the hempseed industry infrastructure has been in position in North America and specifically in Canada for a period of about 15 years, its stability might be significantly rivaled and contested against by American hempseed production in the forthcoming periods. In the event the United States starts producing hempseed, possibly almost 30 states will project generating a profit on hemp by retailing to the adjacent states. The inference of this is that it might take almost a decade for the industry in North America to come to terms with to the new-fangled pattern. The ambiguity in harvests, production outlays, harvesting and processing equipment, and production features will all increase the risk of hempseed production in the United States, up until it becomes a standard crop (Fortenbery and Mick, 2014).
Hemp has had a significant impact on socioeconomic sustainable agriculture in North America for the past three to five years. In particular, farmers in the United States started growing industrial hemp in 2014 subsequent to its legalization in almost five decades. According to Cooke (2018), in spite of the issues of legality, the market for industrialized hemp products such as body care products such as lotions and soaps, edible items such as hemp seeds and hemp milk in addition to industrial products such as auto parts and building and construction materials, had been in existence even prior to the legislation. For instance, in the 2013 fiscal year, the sales of these products surpassed the $581 million mark. Subsequently, after numerous years of proscription, a provision in the 2014 farm bill endorsed growing hemp under a stringent set of circumstances, permitting farmers to benefit from the demand for hemp products. Since then, farmers in America have been trialing with the crop in an endeavor to set the basis for a vibrant localized industry. In fact, the success level of integrating hemp is seen in the growth of the industry to $688 million by 2016 (Cooke, 2018).
The recent growth in the U.S hemp industry is an indication of effective integration of hemp into sustainable agricultural practices. Statistics indicate that the total revenue for the hemp industry in America was $820 million. Notably, out of this figure, $190 million emanated from hemp-derived CBS products while $137 million emanated from hemp food products. The chart below illustrates the gradual increase in sales for the past three years subsequent to the Farm Act and also the projected increase in sales for the next five years (Hemp Business Journal, 2017).

Figure 2: U.S Hemp-Based Products Sales 2012 - 2022
In 2017, the U.S hemp industry experienced a growth of 16 percent in spite of the sustained local legal and regulatory difficulties. This was strengthened by the remarkable growth in the hemp-derived CBD classification that grew from a market group that did not exist three years ago. Projections indicated that the market is expected to hit the $billion dollar mark in 2018. With the expectation of the removal of legal and regulatory obstacles in addition to education in industrial hemp spreads, it is estimated that the industry will grow to up to $1.9 billion in the next five years with an annual growth rate of 14.4 percent (Hemp Business Journal, 2017).

Figure 2: U.S Hemp-Based Product Sales by Category in 2017
Naturally, hemp is resistant to majority of the pests and therefore does not necessitate pesticides or herbicides. By incessantly circling the hemp, it guarantees a field that is free of weed for the next crop to be planted. Substantial reductions in chemical use can be attained by going back to agricultural rotation. A fitting instance can be showed by the hemp grown in rotation with wheat in farms in England has given rise to a 20 percent rise in wheat output, devoid of any corresponding rise in chemical or energy inputs. In North America, specifically in Ontario, it is demonstrated that hemp grown in rotation with soybeans gave rise to a decline in the infestation of cyst nematode by around 50 percent to 75 percent, thereby diminishing the need for chemical pesticides (Kerr, 2018).
It is imperative to note that one of the major restricting factors in sustainable agriculture takes into account the absence of rotation crops that are profitable. Notably, hemp could generate quite an amount of profits. Based on research studies undertaken in farms positioned in Kentucky and Wisconsin, it is suggested that profits generated from hemp for every acre could surpass majority of other crops. The widespread root system of hemp together with the dwindling leaves in the field give rise to better soil tilth. In addition, hemp necessitates fertilization because of the major consumption of nitrogen. Owing to the reason that hemp grows very fast and has an extensive root system, it may be beneficial in the removal of excess nitrogen fertilizer from field, and a result generate a reduction in agricultural overflow problems. In farms where nitrogen is the restricting factor to growth in crops, hemp necessitates approximately 50 percent of the nitrogen fertilizer as corn (Kerr, 2018).
50 percent of all of the pesticides employed in America are linked with cotton. Taking this into consideration, hemp can act as a substitute for the numerous uses of cotton. At the present moment, farmers are experiencing losses in planting wheat, corn and soybeans. For instance, in the state of North Dakota in America, farmers have been generating greater revenues by retailing wheat straws to the board plants as compared to retailing the wheat grain. Taking this into consideration, hemp can make a substantial difference in the agronomic calculation. Owing to the bulk and weight of the fiber, local processing facilities will be forced to be constructed adjacent to the farms. This can also help in solving the problem of unemployment by providing new jobs for rural areas in America (Kerr, 2018).
Tofan, Paduraru and Toma (2016) demonstrate the benefits of hemp in facilitating sustainable agriculture, especially in the textile industry. Natural hemp fibers play a pivotal role in zinc remediation of aqueous solutions. Notably, a hemp waste material emanating from the textile industry has been substantiated to be a largely efficacious material in the removal of zinc from diluted aqueous solutions. The outcomes of the study by Tofan et al. (2016) are significant so as to show that regenerated hemp could be utilized for the removal of zinc metal from sources of water devoid of the threat of the sorbent coming to be another source of zinc pollution for the environment. Furthermore, this ensures that the soil is not harmed and therefore this facilitates sustainability in cultivation.
The 2014 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation and therefore facilitated its continuance in America. In essence, the law necessitated states to institute a licensing process and also that the crop of an individual farmer ought not to surpass more than 50 acres. The inclusion of hemp into agriculture has shown signs of improving. For instance, in the 2017 fiscal year, the total hemp harvest in America was approximately 25, 713 acres. This figure is twice the acreage that was harvested in the preceding year. Farmers have also started to integrate hemp farming with the cultivation of alfalfa, which is one of the most prevalent crops in the nation. In addition, farmers are seeing benefits with statistics indicating revenues of $90,000 for every acre (Weiser, 2018).
In accordance to Roszell (2018), the lack of knowledge and proficiency is limiting the integration of hemp into sustainable agriculture. With a novel Massachusetts policy sanctioning the commercial production of sun-growing agricultural hemp within the state, there has been a rise in interest in the farmers in assimilating agricultural hemp into their farm businesses. Without a doubt, hemp is a dynamic soil builder, enhancing the health of the soil and acting as an advantageous addition to cash crop rotations. Contemporary application of agricultural hemp comprise of bio fuels in addition to eco-friendly constituent substitutes for plastics as well as concrete. The strongest prevailing market for hemp lies in the production of medicinal CBD oil, which can be utilized as a remedy for numerous health problems (Roszell, 2018). Notably, distilled CBD oil can retail for thousands of dollars for every kilogram and can generate revenues exceeding $100,000 for every acre. Nonetheless, the knowledge gap within the region regarding crop production from the simple hemp agronomy to seed sources and expectations for harvest quality has come to be a major challenge for local farmers with the endeavor of assimilating hemp into their agricultural practices. What is worse, agricultural hemp producers are more restrained as compared to the more extensive agricultural community regarding sharing knowledge (Roszell, 2018).
Summary
The production of hempseed has been comparatively prosperous in other parts of North America such as Canada. There are several claims that industrial hemp could positively change the economy of the United States in a largely beneficial manner. Industrial hemp is one of the new yearly field crops with a comparatively extensive assortment of adaptation across North America. In 2013, the approximated 2013 United States market for hemp food and body care products amounted to $184 million, an approximated increase of 24 percent over the preceding year. With the inclusion of industrial products such as building materials, paper as well as auto parts, this figure increased to over $581 million. In the three year period since legalization, this figure has risen to about $688 million. Notably, hemp has had some impact on sustainable agriculture in North America for the past three years. In Ontario, the cultivation of soybeans with hemp as a crop rotation resulted in a reduction in cyst nematode infestation to almost 75 percent thereby diminishing the need for chemical pesticides. In addition, the growth of hemp in rotation together with wheat has resulted in a 20 percent rise in the yield devoid of the need for additional chemical or energy. Furthermore, 50 percent of all the pesticides that are utilized in the United States are linked with the cultivation of cotton. However, this is not the case with hemp, which can act as a substitute for several uses of cotton. Regenerated hemp has been utilized for the removal of zinc metal from sources of water devoid of the threat of the sorbent coming to be another source of zinc pollution for the environment Furthermore, this is beneficial for agriculturalists in North America who have shown that profits generated from growing hemp for every acre surpasses the profits generated from most other crops. One of the major problems that have been experienced in recent times is the loss of money faced by corn, wheat and soybeans farmers. However, hemp is making a significant change to this particular issue. Specifically, in North Dakota, the farmers have been generating greater revenues by retailing the wheat straw to a particle board plant than from selling the grain demonstrating that can make a difference in the agronomic equation.



CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter delineated and rationalizes the methodology and processes employed to attain the research objective of the study. First of all, the chapter describes the research paradigm, research approach and the research design selected for the study. Subsequently, the chapter delineates the target population, the research instruments selected, validity and reliability of the research, methods of data collection and analysis. Lastly, the chapter discusses the ethical concerns and restrictions of the research study.
Research Paradigm
The research paradigm is also termed as the research philosophy and this encompasses the group of ideologies, theories, and suppositions that provide insight and delve into scholarly examination (Bryman, 2008). Research paradigm makes a determination of the different methods and processes that the research utilizes to undertake the research study. It establishes the correlation between the researcher and the participants and the manner in which the research construes the findings obtained. By and large, a researcher can undertake research either within the interpretivist philosophy or positivist philosophy (Saunders , Lewis and Thornhill, 2015). The main objective of this research study was to comprehend the impact of hemp in sustainable agriculture in the North American region. In essence, the research study did not endeavor to investigate the causal correlations between hemp and agriculture but rather endeavored to comprehend the perspective of individual farmers or organizational farmers in regard to the contributions of hemp to sustainable agriculture in the North American region. Bearing this in mind, the interpretivist paradigm was considered to be the most suitable one.
Research Approach
There are two kinds of research approaches including the deductive or inductive approaches. According to Miller and Salkind (2002), the deductive research approach is commonly employed in the positivist research philosophy, where research results can be employed in making extrapolations regarding the larger population. However, idyllically, the inductive research approach is the one that is deemed ideal for this research study. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2015), this research approach is also alluded to as the bottom-up approach. It is largely linked to qualitative research and the main purpose of this approach is to examine a certain phenomenon in an extensive and exhaustive manner.
Research Design
The research design alludes to the general strategy that the researcher selects to assimilate the various constituents of the study in a comprehensible and reasonable manner, thereby, making certain that the research efficaciously addresses the research problem at hand. It establishes the outline for data gathering, measurement and analysis (Labaree, 2009). Qualitative research takes into account different research designs including phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research and case study (Merriam and Grenier, 2019). Taking into account the nature of this research study, the case study research design was considered to be more suitable. The main objective of the case study design is to offer an exhaustive delineation of the experiences of a person, a group of individuals, an entity or a community in its entirety (Miller and Salkind, 2002). There is a direct interaction between the researcher and the subjects to comprehend their experiences. According to Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2015), this research design may encompass outlining events and practices. The inference of this is that the case study design does not solely incorporate people-oriented studies. This research study in particular lays emphasis on the agricultural industry. It is a case study of the effect of hemp on sustainable agriculture in the North American region. In spite of the fact that the case study might be exorbitant and time consuming, it facilitates the researcher in attaining a more wide-ranging comprehension of the case study (Creswell and Creswell, 2017). Case studies provided in-depth information about specific utilization and trends related to the hemp integration in current agricultural processes, which can then be drawn upon to generate insights

Target Population and Research Sampling
The target population for the study included individual or organizational farmers dealing with hemp in sustainable agriculture in North America. The research study employed convenience sampling. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2017), convenience sampling is delineated as a non-probability approach for sampling that encompasses the selection of research subjects based on their ease of access and nearness to the researcher within a two to three hours flight time. Imperatively, this approach was largely important in order to alleviate the expenses incurred in data gathering. However, one key issue with this approach is selection bias. Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria required all participants to be engaged in farms that have been producing hemp for at least three years with an aggregate cultivar of one hundred acres or more. The sample included Collier Farms, Third Wave Farms Inc. and CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc and Farm Aid.
Research Instrument
A research instrument is a measurement tool that is intended to gather data and information on a topic of interest from the research participants or subjects (Creswell, 2014). The qualitative research approach encompasses different kinds of research tools that can be employed to gather data including interviews, observations, and focus groups (Creswell and Creswell, 2017). For this research study, interviews were considered to be the most suitable research instrument. Imperatively, interviews were deemed essential because the researcher necessitated personalized interaction with the subjects and for undertaking exhaustive questioning. In essence, the researcher probed the subjects through oral questions to obtain responses. In spite of the fact that the interviews enabled comprehensive inquisition, there were some drawbacks to it. To begin with, making an arrangement for the interviews was challenging owing to the reason that such interviews had to be slated in based on the interviewees timing and location. In addition, the postponement of some of the initially scheduled interviews solely hindered the process of data collection. Nonetheless, the research instrument was beneficial. The researcher sustained control of the interview sessions with the subjects. This was through the creation of a healthy rapport with the subjects to ascertain that the latter provided responses in a free and open manner (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2015). Specifically, the study employed semi-structured interviews, with predetermined questions posed for the interviewee. Semi-structure interviews were chosen as they provide reliable, comparable qualitative data and allow informants the freedom to express their views and thoughts more openly (Silverman, 2010). The interviews were administered face-to-face. The appropriateness of face-to-face interviews especially stemmed from the accessibility and proximity of the subjects to the researcher. In addition, telephone and e-mail interviews were not deemed suitable owing to their lack of in-depth inquisition and the fact that the interviewee could be easily diverted by other activities during the interviewing process and therefore fail to provide the most extensive responses (Creswell and Creswell, 2017).
Validity and Reality
Guaranteeing that the study has validity and reliability is significant for improving the weight of the research outcomes. Creswell and Creswell (2017) make the argument that akin to quantitative research, undertaking tests for validity and reliability play a fundamental role in qualitative research. In the case of the latter, different criteria are taken into consideration including credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability (Anney, 2014). In this research study, different techniques were employed to guarantee strong and quality research findings. The first technique used was triangulation, where the findings obtained were verified and substantiated using other different sources. A second technique that was employed is peer review, in which an external assessor was employed to investigate the different aspects of methodology and the research findings (Creswell, 2013). A third technique that was used is thick description. According to Anney (2014), this takes into account the researcher explicating all the research processes, ranging from data gathering, framework of the study to creation of the final report. Thick description is beneficial to other researchers in terms of reproducing the study with the same conditions in other settings.







Data Collection
Data was collected from four different participants including CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc. (CV Sciences is a vertically integrated company that manages over 100 acres of hemp farms as well as CV Sciences’ Consumer Products Division delivers botanical?based cannabidiol products that enhance quality of life), Third Wave Farms Inc. and Growing Warriors partnership (Third Wave Farm’s team is comprised of farmers and agriculture professionals), and Collier Farms (Collier Family Farms is a locally owned and operated farm by one of the area’s founding families), and Farm Aid. Following formal approvals and scheduling of the interviews, interviews were conducted in the following order: Collier Farms, Third Wave Farms Inc. and CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc and Farm Aid The interviews were recorded using a digital recorder.
Data Analysis
The analysis of qualitative data is typically wearisome and time consuming. The data analysis process in this research study made use of content analysis on the data that was collected from the semi-structured interviews. This analysis encompassed the categorization of data into different themes and further sub-themes in order to make a comparison. The first phase of data analysis in the research study included transcription of the responses that were recorded during the interviews. Secondly, a comprehensive and exhaustive content analysis was done to ascertain significant themes within the transcribed data, which were thereafter described through the use of thick descriptions. This was purposed to enable the reader of the final account to ascertain the magnitude to which the general research findings are true. One of the fundamental benefits of this analysis approach is that it aids in data gathered being diminished and shortened and at the similar time generating outcomes that may subsequently be measured through quantitative techniques. What is more, content analysis provides the researcher with the capability of structuring the data collected from the qualitative techniques in a manner that is satisfactory to the attainment of the research objective (Patton, 2005).
Ethical Issues
Observing an ethical course of action is significant when undertaking research. To begin, official consent to undertake the research study was obtained. Secondly, the involvement of the individuals in the case studies was completely voluntary and on the basis of informed consensus. All research participants were extensively notified and explained to of their voluntary decision to be involved in the research study and the option to pull themselves out of it, in the case of such desired devoid of any sort of implications. Third of all, the research study was undertaken in line with the pertinent guiding principles on privacy and data safety. No research participant was requested to provide any personal or sensitive data and information. What is more, the researcher did not use any sort of incentives to impel involvement in the study.
Research Study Limitations
In spite of the fact that this research study offers meaningful insight on the impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture, it is imperative to point out some limitations. To begin with, the researcher employed convenience sampling which is linked to selection bias owing to the reason that there are numerous farmers or organizations in North America dealing with hemp in sustainable agriculture. Secondly, the case study nature of the research design shows generalization challenges. Explicitly, the study lays emphasis on the agricultural industry and therefore making generalizations to other industries is considerably challenging. Notably, every sector has distinctive aspects, which implies that these findings might not necessarily signify those of other sectors. In addition, different from quantitative research, this qualitative approach hampers the generalization of the research findings. Taking into consideration the small sample size of three participants, in addition to the absence of quantifiable techniques, it would be significant to be careful while making any broad view of these research findings beyond the participants in question.



CHAPTER IV: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
Triple Bottom Line Theory

Economic Impact of Hemp
Environmental Impact of Hemp
Social Impact of Hemp

Potential Advantages
Potential Advantages
Potential Advantages

1. Increased revenues and profits generated by farms
2. The inclusion of hemp led to increased production outlays due to greater labor costs.
3. Selling hemp as feed and seed for animals and to health food stores for human consumption
4. Major opportunities attained from hemp cultivation encompass therapeutic and pharmaceutical uses of CBD and hemp oil.
1. The soil ends up having bacteriological content and nutrients thereby improving its health
2. Hemp can be grown without the use of pesticides and this potentially plays a big role in environmental health
3. Hemp is a great rotation crop. We have documented much better growth patterns in a multitude of crops that we have planted after the hemp rotation
4. Planting hemp in contaminated soil environments have yielded a positive effect on soil health. We are looking at toxic metals, microbial and nutrient content in the soil as well as carbon capture.
5. Hemp necessitates a significantly lower amount of water and also biomass yield is significantly better
1. A plethora of jobs have been added to the industry for processing, branding and retail sales. Hemp has increased jobs significantly in the local rural areas
2. Due to the current regulations, hemp is regulated by state localities, all processing, distribution and retailers are within the state borders
3. The interest in hemp has facilitated a renewed interest in regenerative and organic agriculture for the local community.
4. In many ways the Hemp movement is educating farmers on Organic and regenerative agriculture.

Potential Disadvantages
Potential Disadvantages
Potential Disadvantages

In spite of the fact that hemp is a natural fibre that is naturally found on the earth and is not scientifically processed, synthetic fibres are cheaper and durable. Therefore, the legalization of hemp production could still experience financial adversity owing to cheaper and more cost-effective substitutes.
From an environmental perspective, a key argument against hemp legalization is the apprehension that bearing in mind that hemps is genetically associated to marijuana, it could make it challenging to make a distinction between a growing crop of hemp marijuana. There is also the significant concern that hemp uses a significant amount of water, which increases the risk of dessication.





Introduction
This chapter presents the findings of the research study. To begin with, a succinct description of the participants is given. Thereafter, the responses of the subjects to the posed interview questions are reported, in tandem with an explanation of the research findings. The responses from the interviews are presented in line with the research objective that was delineated in Chapter 1. The main aim of the study is to demonstrate the impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture in North America. This is linked to three key objectives associated with the triple bottom line theory including 1) Economic impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture 2) Social impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture and 3) Environmental impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture.
Economic Impact
The first objective of the study was to highlight the economic impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture in the North American region. All of the research participants were asked questions pertaining to this aspect. More specifically, the researcher sought to comprehend whether hemp could substantially transform the economy in a positive way and how the assimilation of hemp into the business model impacted economic results. Secondly, the researcher sought to ascertain the different economic opportunities that were brought by hemp cultivation, for instance fiber, feed, hemp oil as well as seed. Furthermore, the researcher aimed to determine whether products from hemp are commercially viable for the present day business organization.
Integration of Hemp Impacting Economic Outcomes
The respondent from Collier farms pointed out that the integration of hemp positively impacted their economic outcomes with the profits generating increasing more than twofold by retailing different hemp products. With Collier farms having more than 10 decades of farming practices and having operations in numerous states and a manifold of collaborative farming affiliations, the respondent was ideally positioned to elucidate the kind of economic impact of hemp. The respondent points out:
We went from a few hundred dollars per acre in profits to up near 35,000 to 90,000 an acre when selling certain strains for CBD.  Because hemp has seen such a growth and demand in the market place, a plethora of jobs have been added to the industry for processing, branding and retail sales.  The need to build processing and manufacturing infrastructure for Hemp has increased jobs significantly in the local rural areas. We increased our workforce by over 20%.

The respondent from Third Wave Farms Inc. elucidated that the incorporation of hemp into the organization’s business model had a positive impact owing to increased revenues. However, he was also quick to point out that such an increase in sales came along with an increased exposure to risk. The respondent elucidated that the inclusion of hemp led to increased production outlays due to greater labor costs. The respondent explained that the inference of this is that the assimilation of hemp into agricultural businesses has both its advantages and shortcomings:
Our revenues are up but so is our exposure to risk. Unstable genetics increase our labor and loss rates as well a significant increase in our cost of production.  As genetics become stabilized and processing more refined this will shift. That being said we have increased our farm revenues by just over 100% by adding hemp to our rotation. Soy yields about $300.00 an acre and hemp depending on what you’re selling it can be anywhere from 1,500 to 50,000 an acre.  

Hemp Value Chain
A similar reply was given by the third participant, who is the participant from CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc. He points out that the economic impact of the incorporation of hemp into the agricultural business is reliant on the part of the hemp plant that the agronomist is laying emphasis on and also the value chain that the farmer is taking into consideration:

I think it depends on what part of the hemp plant and value chain you are looking at. We have increased our overall revenues and profits by concentrating on CBD oil by 200-300% each year for the last three years.
The response given by Farm Aid is that farms that were previously experiencing economic challenge have now been able to advance financially owing to the revenues generated from the cultivation of hemp:
We have seen some farms who were struggling to survive, now thriving from growing hemp specifically for CBD use. For example, farms growing corn and soy whom have now integrated hemp into their rotation have went from hundreds of dollars in profits to tens of thousands per acre $50k – $100K.

The sentiments of the respondents with regard to the incorporation of hemp into the business model and how it impacts the economic results resonate with extant literature. According to Johnson (2018), retail sales of hemp have increased by approximately 10 percent to more than 20 percent annually since the 2011 financial year. A great deal of this growth is attributed to sales of hemp-oriented body products, supplements and foods. Burns (2018) points out that subsequent to several years of significant change for the agricultural industry in the United States, real investment in hemp stands to substantially uplift the economy and the quality of life for several forthcoming generations.
Economic Opportunities Brought by Cultivation of Hemp
The respondent from Collier farms that there are different economic prospects generated through hemp cultivation. Specifically, he asserts that Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the fundamental economic drivers in the hemp value chain. Imperatively, CBD is a compound that is obtained in weed or marijuana plants that aids in relieving pain, diminishing anxiety, also aids in sleep deprivation together with other therapeutic cures. The respondent explains that:
I think CBD is one of the main economic drivers in the hemp value chain. However, we are also selling hemp as feed and seed for animals and to health food stores for human consumption.

Third Wave Farms Inc.’s respondent provides an extensive retort concerning the economic prospects that are obtained through hemp cultivation. Fundamentally, the respondent asserts that infrastructure is the biggest opportunity that is obtained. The increased demand levels from consumers has prompted the opportunities for improved processes and therefore facilitation of infrastructure to grow hemp. This is not only in terms on new agricultural infrastructure but also the use and development of old ones:
Infrastructure, infrastructure. The primary benefit will, be felt by rural farm communities the most. The resurgence of hemp has seen the tobacco barns in Appalachia converting to biomass drying and processing facility. The more of the process we can keep local will have a greater economic impact on rural communities hard hit by declining revenues.  Due to the increase demand for CBD and Hemp oil, we are seeing pivots not used in years turning on and growing hemp grain and this is what the rural community needs.

CV Sciences is in charge of managing more than 100 Acres of hemp farms. The response from Mr. Hendrix is that the major opportunities attained from hemp cultivation encompass therapeutic and pharmaceutical uses of CBD and hemp oil. Nonetheless, he points out that an unrewarding economic opportunity that most people expected to be fruitful is the prospect of using hemp as a fiber:
CBD and hemp oil for health care products and pharmaceutical use are our biggest opportunities.  We have not seen the growth in the textiles industry that we previously thought would explode. The use of hemp as a fiber is much slower.  Many companies that have tried to grow hemp for fiber quickly realized that it is costly from a processing standpoint. Fiber production takes much more energy as well but it is still better than cotton.  
The respondent from Farm Aid, gives an extensive account of the economic prospects that are attained from hemp cultivation in the region:
At this time CBD is the main driver behind the hemp movement. CBD is currently being sold in skin care, health nutrition products, medical and beauty products. Due to the regulatory climate of not shipping hemp across statelines the agricultural community is forced to create jobs for processing and production at the local level. Early on farms started growing hemp without fully understanding the value chain and this created economic loss.
Commercial Viability of Hemp
When questioned about the commercial viability of hemp for the present day business organizations, the perspective from Collier Farms was that it was too early to ascertain this aspect in the short-run but was a certainty in the long run with the necessity for extensive investigation regarding the entire production process:
In the long run yes, but this is hard to figure out today. There is so much more research that needs to be done on the processing side. Yes, is the answer, but the scale of this impact has yet to be realized and we won’t be able to do that without getting our hands dirty and doing the work.

 This respondent is in an ideal position to give such a response bearing in mind that Collier Farms deals with numerous hemp farmers that partake in agronomy in hundreds acres of land. Third Wave Farms Inc.’s respondent also points out that such a determination could only be made in the long and not at the present moment making it clear that such prospects are yet to be determined:
I think it’s too early in the industry’s life to ascertain the potential in renewable energy.
A similar response is provided by the respondent from CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc. with the assertion that it is too early to determine what the implications are.
These responses are in line with the arguments made by existing literature. According to Cooke (2018), the cultivation of hemp has had a significant economic impact on North American sustainable agricultural industry. The retailing of different products such as lotions and soaps, edible items such as hemp seeds and hemp milk exceeded $581 million in the year 2013. The increase in the cultivation of hemp increased the economic vibrancy of the industry with revenues generated exceeding $688 million by the 2016 financial year (Cooke, 2018). Furthermore, according to research undertaken by the Hemp Business Journal (2017), the growth in the U.S hemp industry indicates the major economic impact of the crop into sustainable agricultural practices. Industry statistics have shown that the total revenue generated from hemp cultivation increased to $820 million in 2017. Based on this statistic, $190 million stemmed from hemp-derived CBS products whereas $137 million stemmed from hemp food products (Hemp Business Journal, 2017).
Environmental Impact
Another research objective of the study was to assess the environmental impact of hemp in regard to agricultural sustainability in the North American region. All of the research participants were asked questions pertaining to this particular aspect. Four themes were perceptible including the effect of hemp in regard to environmental sustainability, the environmental effect on both agriculture and the community, the association between cultivation of hemp and environmental improvement and lastly the cultivation of hemp and its effect on global warming.
Impact of Hemp on Environmental Sustainability
Collier Farms have had an extensive level of experience in hemp cultivation and therefore are ideally suited to give insight into the effect that hemp has had on environmental sustainability in the North American region. Having done this process for more than five years, the respondent pointed out that they conducted the crop rotation using hemp and investigations thereafter demonstrated healthier soil:
We have been farming hemp for over 5 years and we have run several tests on the soil after a hemp rotation. The soil health far exceeded our expectations and in many cases the soil had less toxins and better flora.
The respondent from Third Wave Farms Inc. insists that the impact perceived up until now has been negligible but there is an expectation that as time progresses with the transformation of the producers being Cannabis cultivators to producers being actual farmers. Based on the organization’s affiliations, there has been a perceived significant impact on carbon capture and greater microbial activity with the hopes of greater benefits and expectations in the long-run:
From what I have seen to date the impact has been minimal but that will shift in time as we shift from producers being Cannabis growers to producers being actual farmers. On a smaller scale we have seen a huge impact in our Unviersity trials around carbon capture and increased microbial activity. In the long run the data predicts that when hemp fits into standard ag rotation the soil and environmental impact will be extremely beneficial in organic systems.
The response from CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc. outlines that it is significantly early to ascertain the full effect of hemp. Nonetheless, it is imperative to note that owing to the fact that the cultivation does not necessitate any form of insecticides, the soil ends up having bacteriological content thereby improving its health. Investigations have demonstrated soil with substantial amounts of nutrients and microorganisms:
It too early to know the full impact, but the fact that there is no need for pesticide and the soil is left with a healthy microbial content is a tremendous benefit to soil health. We have tested the soil in between grows and have noticed a significant level of nutrients and microbes remaining in the soil.
The respondent from Farm Aid points out that there has been a positive impact of hemp on environmental sustainability owing to improved soil health and also greater levels of biomass owing to every rotation of the crop:
Some of the farms we have been working with are reporting better soil health and high levels of biomass with each hemp rotation. We note that hemp can be grown without the use of pesticides and this potentially plays a big role in environmental health.
Soil Remediation
In delineation, environmental remediation takes into account the elimination of effluence or pollutants from environmental elements. Specifically, soil remediation takes into account the different practices that are utilized in soil decontamination. This facilitates healthier soil in the environment and therefore enables the farmers to grow crops in an improved manner and also making a major contribution to the air and water (Cunningham and Berti, 1993).
The respondent from Collier Farms makes it clear that the organization incessantly partakes in the measurement of the health of the soil and in the preceding period of time, there has been a perceived dissimilarity in soil health owing to improved nutrients as well as microbial health. Akin to the other responses, the organization agrees that hemp aids in the remediation of soil and also acts as a sustainable solution in agriculture especially in regard to crop rotation:
Pulling toxins from the soil, no fertilizer or pesticides needed. Hemp is a great rotation crop.  We have documented much better growth patterns in a multitude of crops that we have planted after the hemp rotation.
The respondent from Third Wave Farms Inc. points out that with its partnership program, the organization has undertaken numerous remediation projects and has ascertained that hemp is a major bio accumulator that performs very well in soils that are not healthy and contaminated. The inclusion of biomass has shown a major effect on facilitating the increase in microbial activity and biomass. In addition, hemp has shown that hemp plays a great role in soil remediation:
Cadmium, one of the major pollutants in soil, has been shown to be eliminated by simply growing hemp. The long taproot penetrates deeply into the soil and extracts contaminates for the soil. The plant also acts as a significant carbon sink which helps mitigate climate change. Also no pesticides or fertilizer used which leaves healthier soil.
Furthermore, the organization indicates that hemp offers a sustainable solution to the agronomists and consumers in the North American agricultural sector. This is linked to being a cover crop and improved soil treatment:
The sky is the limit, or maybe, human ingenuity and goodwill is the limit.  It will only do as much as we let it. It will play a significant role in the future as a cover crop. Its ability to produce large quantities of quality biomass and the pace of growth makes me believe the biggest impact it will have on fighting climate change will come when it transitions into a cover crop and really starts being used to treat soil health.
The respondent from CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc. points out that based on the measurements done regarding the health of the soil, they have ascertained that the sustain nutrition and microbial levels within the soil are significantly higher in hemp as compared to other crops such as soy and corn. In addition, the organization points out those hemp cultivations have played a significant role for cover crops and cover rotation:
We have also had some experience in utilizing hemp to pull toxic metals out of the soil and have noticed a significant difference in these levels after just one rotation. We use it both as a cover crop and in our crop rotation.   We also utilize hemp as a weed suppressor and it is extremely effective.  So we don’t need to use round up or other weed killers.
Farm Aid organization point out that in their present collaboration with farms, they have been able to investigate the impacts of hemp cultivation on soil health. There has been a constructive effect in regard to carbon capture, eradication of toxic materials and increase in microbes and nutrients:
At Farm Aid we collaborate with farms currently studying the effects of soil health after hemp harvest. Reports are showing that planting hemp in contaminated soil environments have yielded a positive effect on soil health. We are looking at toxic metals, microbial and nutrient content in the soil as well as carbon capture.
In addition, the response from Farm Aid explains that the integration of the hemp crop in terms of cover crop rotation has been largely efficacious in regard to eradicating weed in the farms and improving the health of the soils.
Hemp integrated both into rotations and cover crop use can be very effective for both weed suppression and soil health. I think that the overall integration of hemp into an agriculture grow plan is pushing the boundaries of traditional agriculture and eliciting thoughts and practices of a more sustainable approach.
Correlation between Hemp Cultivation and Environmental Improvement
The response from Collier Farms to this question is that they have perceived a relationship between the growth of hemp and the positive effect on the environment and biomass yields. Specifically, 3lbs of hemp seeds are required to yield approximately 1,300 pounds of fiber whereas other crops such as corn necessitate a greater amount of 30 lbs but generates a significantly lower yield of about 3 to 5 tons:
We see a tremendous amount of biomass per acre, it takes 3lbs of seeds to yield 5,300 pounds of straw = 1300 pounds of fiber and 2-3 tons of hurd, As compared to other crops like corn which take 30 lbs of seed an acre which yield 3-5 tons of corn . Also, the hemp plant has many attributes in the value chain. We have been able to sell almost every component of the plant including reintroducing the by-products into the soil. Water use is similar to growing corn. About 30 inches of rain or irrigation is needed for corn crops per acre and 12-15 gallons of water for hemp per acre are needed.
The respondent from Third Waves Farm Inc. gives a similar point and asserts that there has been environmental improvement associated with hemp cultivation. First of all, there has been an increased capacity of the soil in retaining both water and nutrients. Secondly, the farmers that the organization works with, have planted both hemp and soy. It is perceptible that hemp necessitates a significantly lower amount of water and also biomass yield is significantly better:
We replaced the Hurd of the plant to the soil. This has had a major impact on our lands ability to hold water and nutrients. Being comprised primarily of cellulose a crop returned to the soil returns roughly 3500 lbs. of carbo back into our soil per acre. We also grow soy, hemp takes about half the amount of water per acre as compared to soy.  When we plant Hemp we need about 2.5 to 3 pounds of hemp seed per acre and soy is about 60-65 pounds per acre. The biomass between soy and hemp doesn’t compare. Hemp yields about 2-3 tons of hurd, about 1200 pounds of fibre or 4500-5000 pounds of straw. Soy yields about 1.5 tons of soy per acre.
Based on the management of the more than 100 acres of farms that cultivate hemp, CV Sciences has perceived a correlation between such cultivation and a constructive effect on the environment. This is largely owing to the fact that the environment does not necessitate any sort of artificial manure and insecticide is a clear indication of an improvement for the environment:
I think the fact that we don’t need synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is better for our environment. We have noticed.
The respondent from Farm Aid also asserts that numerous farms that have worked with the organization have given reports of better and improved soil health and furthermore they have indicated that crops that have been cultivated subsequent to the growth of the hemp crops are significantly more vibrant.

These responses are linked to existing literature. According to Johnson (2018), the prevailing level of production of oilseed hemp is currently at just about 1 – 1.5 tons for every hectare of land when cultivated at ideal climatic conditions. Nonetheless, this is not up till now deemed a sufficient level for the crop to be a significant competitor to other renowned oil seeds in the market. Johnson (2018) further points out that it is important to note that an average output of approximately 2 tons for every hectare of land will be pivotal for changing hempseed into a major and commercially viable oil seed.
Hemp Cultivation and Impact on Global Warming
A significant concern in the present day regarding the environment is global warming. Progressively more organizations and individual farmers are attempting to attain sustainability and to also diminish the level of global climate. According to the response given by Collier Farms, there is a correlation between the cultivation of hemp and its effect on global warming:
Hemp uses less water than cotton, I can see a correlation between less water use, no pesticides and increased carbon capture in the soil when growing hemp as a fiber would have vital impact in global warming.
The respondent from Third Waves Farm Inc. points out that at the present moment, it is difficult to assert that there is a conceivable link between hemp cultivation and global warming. However, bearing in mind that the processing activities are undertaken locally, there is a significant decline in transportation and also manufacturing, which gives the implication of diminished pollution to the environment:
That’s hard to say but we do see processing localized which cuts down on transportation, I think by and large the impact it will have will be more related to the manufacturing than the cultivation. While the benefit of hemp in a conventional rotation is beneficial it may be nascent if the crop is following a corn, soy, or wheat crop.
CV Sciences makes it clear that at the present moment, it is too premature to ascertain the impact that hemp cultivation has on global warming. However, different hemp value chain areas show a prospective effect on global warming, for instance textiles and biofuel:
I think there is potential impact on global warming in several areas of the value chain, from textiles and potentially biofuel.  It’s too early to say right now.
A similar response was provided by Farm Aid in regard to this particular aspect:
At Farm Aid we believe that Hemp is one of the most prolific crop’s in agriculture especially when it comes to potential impact in environment and global warming. From soil health, to no pesticides needed, increase in carbon capture, textiles, biofuel and increased in biomass.

Literature from different research studies support these responses given. To begin with, Kerr (2018) demonstrates that hemp has a major positive impact on the environment owing to the fact that in its natural state, the crop does not require any artificial pesticides or herbicides. Furthermore, Kerr (2018) points out that with regard to soil remediation, the rotation of the hemp crop, there is an assurance that the farm becomes weed-free for the forthcoming crop to the planted in the farm. The significant reduction in the use of chemicals implies that the soil is largely healthier. Tofan, Paduraru and Toma (2016) have demonstrated that hemp fibers play a fundamental role in zinc remediation of aqueous solutions. It is imperative to note that a hemp waste material originating from the textile industry has been validated to be a fundamentally effective material in the elimination of zinc from watered down aqueous solutions. This ensures that the soil is not harmed and therefore this facilitates sustainability in cultivation.
What is more, research indicates that hemp offers a sustainable solution to agronomists as well as consumers in the agricultural sector as a cover crop and also for crop rotation. In accordance to Kerr (2018), crop rotation of hemp within wheat farms situated in England has resulted in a 20 percent increase in the yield of wheat without consistent increase in chemical or energy inputs. Furthermore, in the city of Ontario in Canada, the cultivation of hemp in rotation with different commercial crops such as soybeans has given rise to a decrease in infestation of pests by approximately 50 to 75 percent and as a result decreasing the need for making use of chemical pesticides and herbicides (Kerr, 2018).

· Cultivation
The interview questions also considered the cultivation undertaken by the companies. According to CV Sciences, in regard to the hemp seeds, the company employs two distinct varieties from Europe and continues to seek out where these seeds grow in an ideal way in the United States. There are without doubt dissimilar variations bred from particular climates, types of soil and the like. It is largely distinctive. CV Sciences insists that in regard to hemp cultivation, this is the most challenging part experienced in North America. That is, attempting to ascertain the suitable genetics from the various climates and demographic regions in a very huge nation.
The interview with Farm Aid encompassed seven different individuals from the organization who have worked with more than 25 small and medium hemp farmers. The farms that Farm Aid is working in tandem with utilized more than 20 varieties of seeds. They have a relatively comprehensive breeding and research program, and therefore Farm Aid is incessantly assessing and following various strains for various regions and micro climates. In addition, it was ascertained that dissimilar genetics do operate in a dissimilar manner in particular areas. Basically, one variety might have stability but being shifted to a different plot could instigate an increase in THC or a decline in CBD. The information obtained from the individuals indicated the following:
This is a function of two things. First, genetic stability on CBD varieties is a long way off. People simply have not been breeding and stabilizing these genetics, so they move all over the map especially when introduced to new climates. This is not the case as much with grain and fiber varieties as they have long track records of breeding and selection.  Secondly, cannabinoids are part of the plants natural defense system and weather conditions play a big role in cannabinoid production so moving from one region to another causes the type of stress that can cause spikes.
In summary, Farm Aid are incessantly assessing and enhancing seed stock and therefore they employ a great deal of varieties in this particular practice. For their individual use, Farm Aid have 6 different varieties of CBD that own rights to in addition to 2 grain varieties and 2 fiber varieties. The company employ them as the base line for their breeding and research program and as aforementioned, they all react in a dissimilar manner on the basis of the climate and zone of production.

The interview for Third Wave Farms included two respondents who are the two founders of the company. Based on their responses, it was ascertained that in regard to cultivation, the company has grown approximately 12 different varieties ranging all from different areas in Europe such as Italy, France, Serbia, and Poland. In accordance to the founders of the company, the fundamental decision made when choosing a variety is selecting for the market. Subsequent to doing so, the best varieties are ascertained for the markets of the different products such as CBD, Seed Oil, Fiber and the like. In so doing, the key aspect to be undertaken is daylight adaptation. Majority of them have the same number of days in regard to flowering and also the days to full maturity. However, there are variances. In this regard, these individuals state:
Some varieties are bred for early planting and some do better later in the season but it’s really about how far north and south of the equator they can tolerate without stress. In the regulatory arena they worry about stress to the plant because it spikes THC levels and renders the product illegal. But outside of that it’s a larger issue of finding the right light exposure to reduce stress for a healthier, more mold and disease resistant, more drought and saturation tolerant, and more productive plant.

It is possible to reference the latitude of the breeding sites of certified European varieties and conduct a comparison to ascertain the ideal variety for the region. Nonetheless, according to Third Waves Farms, most of the CBD market is functioning off of plant stock that has undergone mutation from low THC marijuana plants through the use of clone replication to evade irregular genetic expressions from one generation to the next. They have three to four times the concentration of CBD. In addition, the founders of the company indicated that it is imperative to bear in mind that greater CBD yields emanate from the male plant and numerous new hemp growers are making a blunder in failing to make a differentiation of the sexes and therefore end up becoming frustrated when they produce low yields of CBD.

Social Impact
The third objective of the study was to highlight the social impact of hemp on sustainable agriculture in the North American region. In particular, the researcher sought to determine whether hemp could significantly impact the society in a positive manner and how the community benefits as a whole.
Agricultural and Community Impact
Collier Farms has worked in tandem with numerous farmers across the region for several years now. Based on their response, owing to the new Bills that have been passed, there has been resurgence in organic agriculture. The production and distribution processes being undertaken in local area, this has positively impacted the community in terms of more jobs and increased, which further improved the agricultural sector:
The interest in hemp has facilitated a renewed interest in regenerative and organic agriculture. It has reinvigorated a struggling industry. Due to the current regulations, hemp is regulated by state localities, all processing, distribution and retailers are within the state borders. This has created new jobs and tax revenue that the state did not previously have.
The response from Third Wave Farms Inc. points that initially there was a major lack of infrastructure and the cultivation of hemp has facilitated the opportunity to build and develop such infrastructure. Imperatively, akin to the preceding response, since the production and processing is done at a local level, this has substantially helped the community and facilitated the advancement of the agricultural setting:
The lack of infrastructure has allowed us to build and engineer processing and manufacturing on a local level. The amount of biomass produced by a hemp crop lends itself to more localized production due to the volume of material. This has helped us create jobs and reduce our carbon footprint when hemp is in our production cycles.
The response given by CV Sciences and Hendrix Hemp Inc. delineates that the prevailing hemp movement is unparalleled. Hemp cultivation is currently perceived by farmers not only for financial liberation but also environmental liberation:
I think the hemp movement is like no other. Farmers have been looking at hemp as a potential financial savior as well as environmental. I think the hemp craze has forced or facilitated farmers to take a look at how they can utilize a more sustainable approach.
The respondent from Farm Aid gives a similar response in terms of positive impact on the community:
In many ways the Hemp movement is educating farmers on Organic and regenerative agriculture. Hemp is being touted as promise crop. There is a bigger push to learn about organic and regenerative farming. There is a learning curve to hemp since it is a fairly new market.
Literature regarding hemp growing in North America has shown substantial profits to the farmers and their community (Young, 2005). In addition, research has indicated that there are benefits to the local community in its entirety in regard to the accessibility of infrastructure to enable the transportation, processing, and manufacturing of hemp products.

· Green Rush
In accordance to CV Sciences, one of their major concerns with green rush is that farmers rapidly GMO and Monsanto this crop when there is the prospect of doing it in the right manner and reverting back to the regenerative and organic practices. The organization further articulates that the regulatory agencies have the chance to make certain that no pesticides or insecticides are utilized and that the plant is grown in the right manner, that is, organically. At the present moment, there is no sanctioned pesticide specifically for Hemp.
According to the representative from Farm Aid, majority of the individuals they perceive entering into the hemp cultivation venture are new to the whole notion of farming and this poses serious risks to a new injury. Notably, the green rush mentality is difficult to take in. Based on the response, the representative articulated:
Yesterday I was at a conference listening to hipsters talk about making dot com money of an Ag crop and today I am in Tampa giving a lecture on farmer stress and how outside environmental factors have led to a massive increase in farmer suicides which now are inching closer to Veteran numbers. The gap between the two sides of my work give me a different perspective that is often not appreciated in the Hemp space but is on the farmer side. I used to say that we are doing a horrible job of managing farmer expectations but that’s not the case because most of the folks we run into growing this are not farmers, they have grown a few pot plants and smoked them, then fell in love with the romanticism of agriculture. I cannot even begin to explain some of the crazy shit I have heard about farming hemp.  This industry is about to get a huge black eye as we begin the process of separating the wheat from the chaff.

Furthermore, the perspective from Farm Aid is that numerous retail companies are delving into the hemp cultivation venture yet are producing and retailing the similar product. Specifically, the companies have the similar product in a similar form of packaging, but employ a different label. The representative insisted that the interest shown in hemp cultivation is appealing. However, the downside to it all is the perspective that it is a simple undertaking that can be done by all and sundry and generate millions while at it. In this regard, the representative from Farm Aid calls for setting standards and expectations at the market level. He goes on to state the following:

We need to be better at setting expectations for the market and who gets to play in it.