New West Genetics

New West Genetics (NWG) is a biotech company that combines traditional breeding, modern genomics, and agronomic expertise to create non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) proprietary trait-enhanced hemp seeds for the US with increased crop yield and sustainability.

New West Genetics conducts research across various regions for the species Cannabis sativa and industrial hemp, with plans to also include Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabinoid strains. NWG has an ongoing selection variation process for breeding to develop a more varied portfolio. The company uses precision breeding to identify its targeted genotypes and DNA markers, associated with important crop traits including THC content, amino acid profile, and disease and insect resistance. It is then integrated into NWG’s crop breeding program. Following this, crop traits are continuously selected from adapted varieties for further enhancements to add value, improve yield, and lower costs. 

As of 2022, the company has four NWG ABOUND hemp seed varieties, bred with stable genetics for row crop farming with uniformity, high germ rates, grain, fiber, and cannabidiol (CBD) yield. The company is also offering NWG AMPLIFY, a hybrid hemp seed trait that doubles grain and flower yield by increasing the hemp female plants up to 100% compared with the traditional 50% female and 50% male plants.

NWG reported it was developing the AMPLIFY North, an early flowering hybrid with double grain yields and NWG ELITEBast, for increased bast fiber yield by 2025. It also reported it was developing the NWG THC Zero Ø trait with a controlled Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pathway with below 10 ppm and the Herbicide Tolerance trait for protection against weeds such as the palmer amaranth to be launched by 2026. 

NWG also offers the Agronomic Excellence Program to support producers and farmers in overcoming problems they may encounter, the program includes an Agronomic Excellence Program Portal with field data, timelines, demonstration videos, live webinars, and individual consultation calls. 

Key customers and partnerships 

In July 2020, New West Genetics partnered with Tritium 3H, Inc. (T3H) for a distribution license of its NWG2730 ABOUND hemp seed in Canada. NWG also partnered with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in June 2023 to improve industrial hemp as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, and medicine for the US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) three-year grant valued at USD 650,000.