Can Argentina Solve Hemp's Seed Problem?

Can Argentina Solve Hemp's Seed Problem?

Author: Eric Hurlock, Digital Editor March 25, 2026 Duration: 29:57

We've been covering industrial hemp on the podcast for eight years now, and the story of farmers getting bad seed is so common it barely feels like news anymore. It's just accepted — low germination rates, inconsistent genetics and fields that never quite come in the way they should.

But this is not OK. This is not how you grow an industry. If hemp is going to scale as a commodity crop, then it must behave like one and right now, it doesn't.

So when I was invited to Argentina to see a company building the SOPs for large-scale seed multiplication alongside one of the world's top hemp geneticists—working in the same regions where companies like Syngenta and Bayer produce their seed, alongside one of the world's top hemp geneticists — I went. This is an effort to solve the problem at its root.

And it's happening in a place with a much deeper story than we expected. Because once you start to understand what was built there before, the future of hemp starts to look very different.

See Photos From Eric Hurlock's Trip to Argentina

https://www.lancasterfarming.com/hemp-podcast-cries-for-me-argentina-photos/collection_4268a512-f387-4542-9c6c-09adf37df93f.html

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There’s a quiet revolution happening in fields and factories, and it’s centered on a single, versatile plant. Industrial Hemp Podcast, guided by Eric Hurlock, the Digital Editor at Lancaster Farming, moves beyond the headlines to explore what’s actually happening on the ground. This isn’t just theoretical discussion; it’s a direct line to the people driving the industry forward. Each episode features conversations with the farmers who are planting and harvesting these crops, facing very real agronomic challenges and opportunities. You’ll also hear from researchers, processors, and policy experts who are shaping the future of hemp for fiber, grain, and other industrial applications. The dialogue digs into the practicalities-from planting techniques and harvesting equipment to market trends, regulatory hurdles, and technological innovations that are changing the game. It’s a clear-eyed look at an agricultural sector finding its footing, reported by journalists with deep roots in farming communities. For anyone curious about the business, science, and sheer hard work behind industrial hemp, this podcast serves as an essential, grounded resource. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the hype and gets to the root of this growing field.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Industrial Hemp Podcast
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