NutraVideo: Arcadia Biosciences on new developments in hemp breeding, gene editing

They’ve been working with dozens of growers across the United States to develop and test cutting-edge hemp breeding technologies for industrial production. They are also behind the development of four new ultra-low THC and disease-resistant hemp seed varieties which are achieved by using ArcaTech. 

“ArcaTech really is a combination of a number of new technologies and capabilities. It’s a toolbox that we use to rapidly develop new attributes in crops,”​ explained Arcadia’s Chief Tech Officer, Randy Shultz, PhD.

Shultz, who has been leading research and development, added that the tool incorporates Arcadia's breeding science and genomics technology with real-time market intelligence from the field. 

Arcadia has teamed up with about 50 hemp growers through the company's GoodHemp Innovation Partners program. 

Guiding Arcadia’s development strategies are growers positioned in six major hubs across the US: Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, Northern California, the Desert Southwest and the Mountain West. 

The new GoodHemp seed catalog offers clones, transplants, extracts and genetically edited hemp seeds with beneficial features. 

When determining desirable traits in hemp, Shultz said the team has to consider three market segments. 

“One is the wellness market, which is really currently focused on CBD, which is the hottest cannabinoid on the market. The other thing that hemp is really useful for is protein and grain production. It actually has a really nice oil profile with a balance between omega-3 and omega-6, as well as really high protein content in its seeds. The third being more industrial uses through fiber. So we think of all those markets, but currently we’re focused primarily on the wellness market,”​ said Shultz. 

To learn more about Arcadia’s hemp growing practices and  the role of biotechnology, watch the full video interview.