Breeding for stable genetics is required for hemp to succeed in geographies around the country—and globe

Todd Runestad, Content Director, NaturalProductsInsider.com

May 15, 2021

1 Min Read
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For the hemp and hemp CBD market to succeed, every part of the value chain must contribute. On one end is, of course, consumers. Before this all-important end game are brands, distilers, extractors, farmers, and—lest you forget—seed geneticists. Applying nouveau technology to traditional selective breeding techniques, plant breeders are developing new varieties with traits that allow growers to achieve maximum yields in all growing conditions. At the 2021 NoCo Hemp Expo, Insider senior editor Todd Runestad meets with Alex Kemper-McCall from Front Range Biosciences as they touch on:

  • Creating seed genetic profiles that perform in all regions of the country.

  • Focusing on terpenes and then bringing up percentage of select cannabinoids.

  • Good soil plus solid stable seed genetics equals good biomass for brands—and consumers.

About the Author(s)

Todd Runestad

Content Director, NaturalProductsInsider.com, Natural Products Insider

Todd Runestad has been writing on nutrition science news since 1997. He is content director for NaturalProductsInsider.com and Natural Products Insider digital magazines. Other incarnations: supplements editor for NewHope.com, Delicious Living!, and Natural Foods Merchandiser. Former editor-in-chief of Functional Ingredients magazine and still covers raw material innovations and ingredient science.

Connect with me here on LinkedIn.

Specialty

Todd writes about nutrition science news such as this story on mitochondrial nutrients, innovative ingredients such as this story about 12 trendy new ingredient launches from SupplySide West 2023, and is a judge for the NEXTY awards honoring innovation, integrity and inspiration in natural products including his specialty — dietary supplements. He extensively covered the rise and rise and rise and fall of cannabis hemp CBD. He helps produce in-person events at SupplySide West and SupplySide East trade shows and conferences, including the wildly popular Ingredient Idol game show, as well as Natural Products Expo West and Natural Products Expo East and the NBJ Summit. He was a board member for the Hemp Industries Association.

Education / Past Lives

In previous lives Todd was on the other side of nature from natural products — natural history — as managing editor at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He's sojourned to Burning Man and Mount Everest. He graduated many moons ago from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.

Quotes

"There is not a colds-and-flu season. There is a vitamin D-deficiency season."

"There is no such thing as inclement weather. Only improper attire."

Link answers question, "When taking magnesium, should you also take vitamin D3 2,000 IU?"

"Cannabis is nature's most nearly perfect plant."

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