Going into its fourth harvest, industrial help industry still facing growing pains

The Colorado hemp industry has been growing rapidly since the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill legalized the growth of industrial hemp in states that regulate the crop. It requires less water than corn to grow and can be used to produce CBD oil, an ingredient used in an increasing amount of commercial products. Colorado farmers are expected to harvest some 9,000 acres of hemp this year, but challenges with infrastructure and clarity of legality remain. Hemp farmers can’t get crop insurance, and even getting bank accounts can be tough. Read more at Denver Post…

To compete with Amazon, grocers could start purchasing meal kit companies

The combined power of Amazon and Whole Foods in grocery delivery and fresh food could lead to more acquisitions in the space. Apparently Albertsons, at some point, has been in discussions with meal kit startup Plated about a potential purchase. The CEO of Green Chef said he was open to being acquired. Read more at CNBC…

Nestle’s growth supplements

We might see some nutrition and health acquisitions from Nestle SA, Reuters says. Nutrition and health science is the second-biggest division of its business, behind beverages. Read more at Bloomberg…

Startups focus on the microbiome as an organic solution to increase crop yields

As venture capitalists increasingly look to the agriculture market, biome science has emerged as a particular area of interest. Companies like NewLeaf Symbiotics are developing bacteria-based solutions to ensure crop health. Read more at Tech Crunch…

There will be more retail stores opening than closing in 2017

But, it will be a different kind of store, according to a new report from IHL Group. Discount stores, convenience stores and beauty stores are opening in 2018, which highlights changing consumer lifestyle and tastes. Read more at Forbes…