Kentucky hemp rebounds - ecofibre leads with local focus

By Blake Jackson

While the Kentucky hemp boom of 2019 saw its share of challenges, Ecofibre, a Scott County company, is charting a new course for success by focusing on local partnerships, diversification, and stringent quality control. 

Despite the initial setbacks faced by many growers, Ecofibre secured a partnership with Chuck Tackett, a Scott County farmer who developed a Kentucky-native hemp strain. This moves away from imported plants and towards a locally adapted variety aims to improve crop yields and resilience. 

Ecofibre's commitment to Kentucky extends beyond its crops. They sell their Ananda Health wellness products directly to consumers, but a significant portion of their revenue comes from partnerships with local pharmacies. This unique approach not only benefits the pharmacies but also offers consumers a familiar and convenient way to access Ecofibre products. 

Diversification is another key strategy for Ecofibre. They've gone beyond traditional CBD products, venturing into non-consumable items like clothing, pallets, and even NFL-grade artificial turf infused with hemp oil through their Hemp Black line. This broader range of offerings caters to a wider audience and reduces dependence on the often-volatile CBD market. 

Ecofibre takes pride in its rigorous quality control measures. They triple-distill their hemp oil, ensuring purity and potency. Unlike some competitors, they avoid "laboratory shopping" and only work with certified labs for comprehensive testing of both raw materials and finished products. This transparency builds trust and distinguishes them from less scrupulous companies. 

"We use certified laboratories," explains Joe Tackett, Ecofibre's Quality Control Manager. "They go through rigorous quality checks of their own." 

Ecofibre's commitment to local partnerships, diversified product offerings, and unwavering quality control positions them as a reliable and innovative player in the Kentucky hemp industry. By focusing on these key strengths, they are paving the way for a sustainable and successful future for themselves and the industry as a whole. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera