BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PRESS RELEASE -- Front Range Biosciences (FRB), an agricultural biotech company specializing in tissue culture propagation and breeding of high-value crops, has announced that it signed a lease with Memorial Florists and Greenhouses Inc. (MFG) for a Clean Stock hemp nursery in Appleton, Wisconsin. The newly renovated 15,400-square-foot greenhouse is equipped with supplemental lighting and climate control designed for the production of high-quality vigorous transplants and seed for hemp growers.
"Wisconsin has a rich agricultural history, and with any new crop, farmers face challenges when attempting to scale in this industry," said Dr. Jonathan Vaught, CEO and co-founder of FRB. "Through this partnership, we will provide the state's hemp farmers with high-quality hemp genetics, including rooted cuttings from our Clean Stock program and seed, to strengthen their supply chain with increased productivity and reduced crop loss."
In the 1920s, Wisconsin was considered the largest hemp producer in the nation, but after the plant was outlawed, the state lost this title and a significant source of revenue. In November 2017, Wisconsin legalized industrial hemp and created a pilot program to regulate it. Today, Wisconsin is lauded as one of the fastest growing states for hemp cultivation.
"MFG is excited to partner with FRB to become the premier source for industrial hemp Clean Stock clones and seed in the Midwest," said Bob Ayken, president of MFG. "FRB's commitment to quality, research and the application of advanced agricultural science in this emerging industry will push Wisconsin to become one of the leading industrial hemp producers in the nation."
Prior to this announcement, FRB hosted an educational session for Wisconsin hemp farmers covering genetics, growing techniques and how to avoid common logistical and financial challenges.
FRB now has new hemp varieties available for 2019 Spring production in Wisconsin. For more information on Front Range Biosciences, please visit http://www.frontrangebio.com.
