Food First Initiative: Hemp Genetics & Nutrition Research Collaboration
About the Research
Food First Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing rigorous, independent research on the nutritional value of federally legal hemp as a whole-food ingredient.
Our current study analyzes hemp biomass from a grain type of hemp across four preparation formats:
• Fresh hemp with seeds
• Fresh hemp without seeds
• Dried hemp with seeds
• Dried hemp without seeds
Each sample contains a choice selection of flowers, leaves and seeds for maximum nutritional testing. The hemp undergoes comprehensive nutritional analysis, and amino acid and fatty acid profiling, allowing us to evaluate how genetics, preparation, and processing affect nutritional outcomes.
Our long-term objective is to identify hemp genetics that maximize nutritional value, bio availability, and functional food potential data that does not currently exist in standardized or publicly accessible forms.
Why Genetics Matter
While hemp is widely discussed for cannabinoids and fiber, its nutritional potential remains under-researched, especially at the genetic level. Breeders and seed developers are making decisions without:
• Comparative amino acid profiles by strain
• Fatty acid ratios linked to genetics
• Data on how fresh vs. dried biomass alters nutrition
• Independent, nonprofit-led nutritional benchmarks
We aim to change that in partnership with the people who know hemp genetics best.
Call for Collaboration
We are actively seeking:
• Hemp seed producers and breeders
• Genetic researchers and cultivar developers
• Foundations and donors supporting plant-based nutrition science
• Organizations interested in food-grade hemp applications
Partners may contribute through financial support, genetic material, or technical collaboration.
Why Support This Work
Hemp nutrition research has largely been fragmented, anecdotal, or commercially siloed. Food First Initiative is committed to:
• Transparency
• Nonprofit independence
• Scientifically rigorous analysis
• Public-benefit outcomes
By supporting this research, you help establish foundational nutritional data that benefits breeders, consumers, food developers, and public health alike.
Please visit: www.FoodFirst.us for more information.