Assessing the financial viability of growing industrial hemp with loblolly pine plantations in the southeastern United States

Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L. <0.3% THC), a non-psychoactive chemotype of cannabis, was reclassified and made legal for growing across the United States under 2018 Farm Bill. Given that resources, knowledge, interest this novel crop are expanding rapidly, we explored possibility intercropping industrial fiber with loblolly pine Pinus taeda ) plantations, one most commercially widespread tree species in southern States. Following previous greenhouse study confirming hemp’s ability to grow pine-influenced soils, examined financial feasibility potential agroforestry system. We simulated growth information using PTAEDA 4.0, yield model, collected enterprise budget data on productivity, operating fixed costs, prices from various sources. Based capital budgeting analyses, results suggest pine-hemp can higher economic returns –at least 25% net present value—than conventional monoculture plantation. The early rotation cash flow complimentary benefits result more financially viable plantation scenario. While new research continues advance further field trials other provides valuable insights into current market conditions productivity level cultivation need be addressed succeed as an economically investment.