The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership.
Shortly after moving to North Carolina in 1995, I was driving in a remote area of the eastern part of the state. It was a quiet two-lane road and I was enjoying a fine fall day. Suddenly, I came upon something that caused my Northerner mouth to drop open in awe; acres upon acres of brilliant cotton bolls lined the road on both sides as far as I could see. I knew cotton grew in North Carolina, of course, and I had some idea of what the plant looked like, but I was not prepared for that sea of white.
Although not so visually stunning, I was equally amazed the first time I saw a large stand of tobacco, another crop that does not grow in the Midwest. Since I knew virtually nothing about tobacco, I decided to do a little research and learn more about the plant that shaped the Carolinas.
Tobacco farming has a long and storied history, dating back to the Colonial era when settlers first began cultivating the crop. Today, North Carolina remains one of the largest producers of tobacco in the United States, although the industry has undergone significant changes in recent years as the health impacts of tobacco usage have become more widely understood.
The cultivation of tobacco typically involves a process that begins around this time of year with the planting of tobacco seeds in prepared beds. Tobacco seeds are tiny, and the amount fitting in an open palm would be enough to seed multiple acres. These seeds are typically started indoors and then transplanted outside when the weather is warm enough. Once the seedlings have been transplanted they are watered and tended to until they are mature enough to be harvested.
Harvesting typically takes place in late summer or early fall when the tobacco leaves are mature and ready to be picked. This is usually done by hand, with workers carefully plucking the leaves off the plants and placing them in baskets or boxes. Once the leaves have been harvested they are taken to curing barns, where they are hung to dry for several weeks. During this time the leaves undergo a process of curing that involves exposing them to heat and humidity, which causes them to turn from green to brown and develop tobacco’s characteristic flavor and aroma.
Once the leaves have been cured they are sorted and packaged for transport to tobacco companies, where they are processed into cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. The tobacco industry has long been a major driver of the North Carolina economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. I am sure a reader who has actually grown tobacco will tell me where my synopsis is wrong.
However, tobacco farming has also had a significant impact on the environment and public health. In addition to the known health risks, tobacco farming requires large amounts of water, pesticides and fertilizers, which can pollute local waterways and harm wildlife.
As a result of these concerns the tobacco industry has faced increasing regulation and scrutiny in recent years. Declining demand for tobacco products and competition from foreign producers have also contributed to a decline in the industry. Many tobacco farmers have been forced to switch to other crops or find new sources of income.
Hemp farming has become increasingly popular in North Carolina in recent years, thanks in part to changes in state and federal laws that have made it easier to grow and sell hemp products. Anson County farmers have been at the forefront of the industrial hemp movement for more than a decade, shortly after the state passed a law allowing farmers to grow it in a highly regulated way for research purposes. In 2018, the federal government legalized the cultivation of hemp nationwide.
Hemp is a versatile crop that has a wide range of uses. The fibers can be used to produce a range of textiles, including clothing, bags and home furnishings. Hemp fabrics are durable, breathable and naturally resistant to UV rays and mold.
Hemp fibers can also be used to make a range of building materials, including insulation, roofing and particle board. Hempcrete, a mixture of hemp fibers, lime and water, is a lightweight and strong alternative to traditional concrete.
Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein, fiber and essential fatty acids. They can be eaten raw, roasted or ground into flour for baking. Hemp oil, which is extracted from the seeds, can be used for cooking, salad dressings and other culinary applications, and hemp-derived supplements, including CBD oil and hemp protein powder, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These products are believed to offer a range of health benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation.
Other applications, such as biofuel, are also being researched and could eventually add even more value to the versatile hemp crop. Still, there is apprehension in some communities about the large-scale cultivation of hemp. Most of this is based on misunderstandings about the plant. As noted earlier, hemp has no intoxicating properties, and while similar in appearance to marijuana is easily recognized by anyone who knows what to look for. It is more challenging to differentiate in its ground form, but a simple chemical test can provide a definitive answer if required for law enforcement purposes.
Will industrial-scale hemp production ever replace the hole left in the North Carolina economy by the exit of tobacco? That remains to be seen. But in the quest for suitable agricultural replacements, hemp is a fascinating opportunity that local farmers, officials and developers must take very seriously.