Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 24, 2026
WH Farms Co. Transforms into Hemp Biotech Powerhouse with $2.9M Investment
TLDR
- WH Farms Co. transforms into a hemp biotech company, creating 41 high-wage jobs and gaining competitive advantage through in-house manufacturing and scientific innovation in the growing hemp sector.
- WH Farms Co. is acquiring a 13,000-square-foot facility for $2.9 million to bring formulation and manufacturing in-house, focusing on advanced botanical extraction and research-driven product development.
- This evolution from a farm to a biotech company creates generational wealth, increases representation in agriculture and biotechnology, and builds on a heritage of strength and survival.
- WH Farms Co. grows hemp on land cleared by freed slaves, now transforming that legacy into a science-driven biotech company with a $2.9 million expansion.
Impact - Why it Matters
This development matters because it represents a significant shift in both agricultural and biotech industries where representation has been historically lacking. As Black ownership in agriculture has declined from 14% of farmers in 1920 to less than 2% today, and with Black women comprising only a small fraction of biotech leadership, WH Farms Co.'s evolution creates a powerful model for economic empowerment and industry diversification. The company's $2.9 million investment and creation of 41 high-wage jobs demonstrates how heritage-based businesses can drive meaningful economic development while advancing scientific innovation in the rapidly growing hemp sector. This matters to consumers seeking transparently sourced wellness products, to communities benefiting from job creation and wealth building, and to an industry that needs diverse perspectives to innovate effectively. The company's commitment to maintaining strong ties to community and culture while pursuing scientific rigor offers a blueprint for how businesses can honor their heritage while competing in global markets.
Summary
WH Farms Co., led by visionary entrepreneur Q. Nicole Vanderhorst, is undergoing a transformative evolution from a hemp cultivation business into a science-driven hemp biotech company. This strategic shift, announced as Black History Month concludes and Women's History Month begins, represents more than business growth—it embodies generational resilience and significant economic investment. The company, founded on land cleared by freed slaves, is now positioning itself at the intersection of agriculture, science, and economic empowerment, with a $2.9 million investment in a 13,000-square-foot Winston-Salem facility that will create 41 new jobs with average wages above $79,000.
The company's expansion into hemp biotechnology focuses on advanced botanical extraction, research-driven product development, and scalable innovation in the growing hemp sector. WH Farms Co. distinguishes itself through premium, transparently sourced hemp products, USDA-licensed manufacturing, and rigorous analysis standards. Founder and CEO Q. Nicole Vanderhorst emphasizes that their botanical ingredients are grown on land cleared by freed slaves, transforming that legacy into a hemp biotech company serving the world while creating jobs, building wealth, and leading an emerging industry with purpose and innovation.
This evolution addresses significant representation gaps in agriculture and biotechnology, where Black ownership has declined dramatically and Black women remain underrepresented in biotech and large-scale agricultural manufacturing. Through strategic growth, workforce development, and ongoing investment in research and infrastructure, WH Farms Co. aims to strengthen domestic hemp cultivation, advance science-backed botanical solutions, expand manufacturing capabilities, create sustainable job opportunities, and build long-term generational wealth. As global demand for plant-based wellness and sustainable agricultural innovation grows, the company is prepared to lead with credibility, transparency, and purpose, positioning itself as both a manufacturer of hemp products and a contributor to the broader biotech landscape. For more information, visit www.whfarms.co and follow @whfarmsco on Instagram.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, WH Farms Co. Transforms into Hemp Biotech Powerhouse with $2.9M Investment
