Farmers in the US had planted some 288,000 acres of industrial hemp in 2019. According to reports, the potential for profit in hemp businesses is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. This is being fueled by the growing demand for hemp-infused products and the fact that hemp has finally been legalized in the country.
With many people moving towards healthy treatment options, hemp products are fast becoming the go-to option for the health-conscious who are looking for safe alternatives to traditional over-the-counter products. The result is that more people are looking to enter the booming hemp industry as entrepreneurs and small business owners. The only problem is, there aren’t that many training facilities and certifications being offered that can train budding entrepreneurs on how to run a successful hemp business.
To answer that call, New Mexico Highlands University has now approved one of their latest programs that are offering students a hemp entrepreneurship certification. The educational facility got the approval only recently and still needs to go through several reviews by the state and accreditors, according to the school officials. Additionally, they also need to go ahead with the Higher Learning Commission before they can begin.
According to school officials, the new program is going to have two tracks. One is going to focus on those students who are interested in the business side of hemp production, distribution, and sales, while the other track is going to be focusing on the science behind planting healthy hemp plants to increase yields.
The production of industrial hemp was legalized in 2019, with a hemp production regulatory plan being approved by the state Department of Agriculture. This allows states to continue to maintain a regulatory oversight on all hemp production that is being carried out within their respective borders.
Hemp is a growing industry, and according to experts, the demand for hemp and hemp products is only going to grow in the future. So, it makes sense to offer a hemp certification for all those who are looking to enter the burgeoning hemp industry.
According to school officials, the new program is going to have two tracks. One is going to focus on those students who are interested in the business side of hemp production, distribution, and sales, while the other track is going to be focusing on the science behind planting healthy hemp plants to increase yields. Both certifications have been widely welcomed by those in the hemp industry and those who plan to enter in the not-so-distant future, mainly because it offers students an opportunity to build a solid foundation before entering the hemp market.
Similar to other industries, the hemp business is rife with competition, with more and more businesses entering the niche every day. Industrial hemp is in high demand since it offers a wide array of applications across multiple industries. This makes professional certifications in industrial hemp a viable choice for those who are looking to hit the ground running in the hemp business.
According to the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the hemp industry is predicted to create a large number of jobs, and the New Mexico Highlands University certification aims to educate many young entrepreneurs so that they can contribute to the economic development of the hemp industry.
Who knew that New Mexico Highlands University might someday soon be known as “Hemp U?” Very cool.