Farmers in Northeast Colorado have formed a new kind of co-op, reports Colorado Public Radio. Several farmer have banded together to grow hemp in the region.
The growing of hemp became legal in the state in 2012, along with the growing of cannabis. Hemp, unlike cannabis, has no mind-altering properties. The plant can be used for clothing, soaps, food and other industrial uses. The Colorado farmers are hoping to build a hemp industry in the state.
David Serrano, who organized the Northeastern Colorado Hemp Farmers Association, explains: "Whether it's for fiber or medicine or oils we want to be able to give the farmers the opportunity to create a valuable asset for themselves." The prospective Colorado hemp industry could include selling hemp seeds to co-op members, negotiating prices and sharing advice.