The first high-CBD variety of hemp designed for grain production in Canada has been unveiled.
New West Genetics and Tritium 3H (T3H) have signed an exclusive license agreement for distribution of Certified NWG2730 ABOUND hemp seed in Canada.
NWG2730 is the first high-CBD grain variety to be available in Canada. It is suited for complete mechanical production that fits with broad-acre production methods and equipment — enabling growers to dramatically increase revenue due to ease of production and high flower and grain yields, according to the two companies.
Colorado’s New West Genetics is a hemp genetics company founded in 2014. New West has spent the last seven years selecting compliant hemp genetics to create NWG2730. Through stringent breeding methods, the company produces dual and tri-type varieties with various cannabinoid profiles.
Tritium 3H is a Canadian hemp seed company and member of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, based in Lethbridge, Alta. T3H specializes in hemp field testing, certified seed production, commercialization and distribution of new industrial hemp varieties for the Canadian market.
“New West Genetics is a clear leader in hemp genetics and breeding which is why we selected them as a partner and with excellent grain yield and high CBD, NWG2730 is set to deliver unparalleled returns for Canadian producers,” said T3H President Scott Horner.
“We have partnered with T3H for two years, completing field trials to evaluate our varieties’ performance in Canada,” said New West Genetics CEO Wendy Mosher. “A key fit for NWG is T3H’s technical expertise with certified seed, and with conducting sound varietal trials that evaluate multiple traits. Because of these, T3H is primed to serve the Canadian hemp cannabinoid market with premium genetics.”
T3H is in its second year of field testing NWG varieties, said T3H CEO Jayme Hunter. After strong performance in 2019, testing was expanded in 2020 to include sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Health Canada cultivar approval is expected this fall and certified seed is being increased and will be available for producers to plant in 2021.
