Industrial hemp innovation in the U.S. Northeast

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has re-emerged as a promising crop in the United States, driven by its diverse industrial applications, environmental benefits, and compatibility with organic and regenerative farming systems. Once widely grown across Pennsylvania before its prohibition in the 1940s, hemp production resumed following the passage of Pennsylvania’s Industrial Hemp Research Act in 2016. Since then, the Rodale Institute has taken a leading role in revitalizing hemp cultivation in the region with scientific research focused on fiber, cannabidiol (CBD), and grain hemp that benefits farmers, the environment, and rural economies.

With field stations in Kutztown and the Pocono Organic Center in Blakeslee, Rodale is conducting trials that address the region’s unique soils, climate, and organic farming systems. These short- to mid-term trials investigate the impact of variety, fertility management, and spacing on yield, quality, and ecological performance of industrial hemp, providing timely, science-based guidance to farmers.

Agronomic metrics

The central focus of Rodale’s work has been evaluating industrial hemp varieties under regenerative organic practices. Recent research, published in Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, demonstrates some key discoveries: 

In a two-year field trial (2022–2023), four varieties (MS 77, Futura 75, Santhica 27, and Han NE) were studied for biomass, bast fiber, hurd yield, seed weight, and root mycorrhizal colonization. Results published in Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment showed that Han NE and MS 77 produced the higher biomass (Han NE: 5.2 Mg ha⁻¹ and MS 77: 4.6 Mg ha⁻¹) and stem yield compared to Futura 75 and Santhica 27. All varieties exhibited beneficial fungal colonization in roots, with MS 77 having the highest level, indicating strong potential for nutrient uptake and stress resilience. Based on these findings, Han NE and MS 77 are promising fiber hemp options for U.S. Northeast growers. These results help farmers align cultivar selection with end-use goals and local conditions.

Beyond variety selection, optimizing nitrogen (N) inputs has been a major focus of the research, especially under organic systems where synthetic fertilizers are not permitted. In CBD hemp trials using Kirsche and Lindorea varieties, medium organic N rates (~100 kg N ha⁻¹) were shown to maximize both biomass and cannabinoid yield while maintaining environmental sustainability. Higher N inputs did not translate to better results and even led to reductions in total CBD concentration. These findings underscore the need for precision nutrient management in hemp to avoid waste and environmental harm while maximizing economic returns.

Researchers also investigated how row spacing and fertility levels influence yield and fiber characteristics in fiber hemp. In these trials, narrower spacing (19 cm vs. 38 cm) produced higher plant populations and biomass yields, but wider spacing encouraged thicker stalks and greater bast fiber output per plant. This trade-off gives farmers flexibility depending on their production priorities. The highest bast fiber yield was achieved at moderate N levels and a 19-cm row spacing, underscoring the need to balance plant density and nutrient supply to meet production goals.

Mechanical properties, environmental benefits, and education

In addition to agronomic metrics, Rodale is also testing mechanical properties of hemp fiber, such as tensile strength, to assess its suitability for textile and industrial markets. Early data suggest that regenerative organic production practices not only support yield and environmental outcomes, but may also contribute to high quality fiber properties.