** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** THIS PROJECT WILL HELP DEVELOP ENVIRONMENTALLY, SOCIALLY, AND ECONOMICALLY SUSTAINABLE FIBER HEMP PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN COLLABORATION WITH NORTH CAROLINA'S HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED FARMERS. DEMAND FOR LOCAL FIBER HEMP IS HIGH AND NOT BEING MET BY OUR FARMERS DUE TO A LACK OF GOOD AGRONOMIC PRACTICES. OUR GOAL IS TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH FARMERS TO ESTABLISH THESE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION PRACTICES TO MEET DEMAND. SPECIFICALLY, WE WILL WORK WITH BLACK AND INDIGENOUSFARMERS WHO HAVE EITHER FULLY OR PARTIALLY TRANSITIONED AWAY FROM TOBACCO AND WHO ARE SEEKING TO IMPROVE THEIR FARM DIVERSITY.