Virginia Hemp Month, Responsible Hemp Standard & Banking Barriers on Brush Mountain

Virginia Hemp Month, Responsible Hemp Standard & Banking Barriers on Brush Mountain

Author: Eric Hurlock, Digital Editor June 12, 2025 Duration: 43:20

On this episode of the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast, we take a look at the fight for industrial hemp's future — from grassroots advocacy to global certification and the ongoing struggles farmers face in the banking system.

Act 1: Virginia Hemp Month – Reclaiming the Word "Hemp"

Joe Domino and Scott McStacy of the Virginia Hemp Coalition join the show to talk about their efforts to officially recognize June as Virginia Hemp Month. With events ranging from hempcrete building workshops and beekeeping demonstrations to film screenings and brewery gatherings, Virginia is building momentum to reclaim the word hemp for fiber, grain, and industrial uses — and to separate it from cannabinoids and cannabis.

Learn more:

Virginia Hemp Month

virginiahempmonth.com

Virginia Hemp Coalition

https://www.vahemp.org/

Act 2: Responsible Hemp Standard – Certification for Fiber Hemp

Eric Singular returns to introduce the Responsible Hemp Standard (RHS) — the first global certification system for the industrial hemp fiber supply chain. RHS brings traceability, transparency, and verified responsible practices to every stage of hemp fiber production, from cultivation to cottonization. This certification gives brands and textile mills the confidence to source truly sustainable hemp fiber for apparel, textiles, and home goods.

Learn more:

Responsible Hemp Standard

responsiblehempstandard.com

Act 3: Banking Headaches on Brush Mountain

In our final segment, we head back to Brush Mountain in Centre County, PA, where bison farmer and hemp grower Herb Grove tells how his local bank abruptly canceled his accounts — simply because he held a legal hemp farming permit. His story is a stark reminder of the outdated financial roadblocks still facing hemp farmers nationwide.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

• IND Hemp — indhemp.com

• King's AgriSeeds — kingsagriseeds.com

• Forever Green / KP4 Hemp Cutter — hempcutter.com

Don't forget the Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit in Raleigh, NC — hosted by NC State and NIHC this July


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
Podcast Episodes
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