WH Farms Co., led by entrepreneur Q. Nicole Vanderhorst, has announced its evolution into a science-driven hemp biotech company, marking a significant milestone that advances both business growth and representation in agriculture and biotechnology. This transformation occurs as Black History Month concludes and Women's History Month begins, highlighting the company's journey from its origins on land cleared by freed slaves to its current position at the intersection of agriculture, science, and economic empowerment.
The company's expansion includes acquiring a 13,000-square-foot facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, bringing formulation and manufacturing capabilities in-house through a $2.9 million investment. This development will create 41 new jobs with average wages exceeding $79,000, representing substantial economic investment in the region. Founder and CEO Q. Nicole Vanderhorst emphasized the significance of this evolution, stating that WH Farms Co. is transforming its legacy into a hemp biotech company serving the world while creating jobs, building wealth, and leading an emerging industry with purpose and innovation.
Rooted in a commitment to premium, transparently sourced hemp products, WH Farms Co. has distinguished itself through quality cultivation, USDA-licensed manufacturing, and rigorous analysis standards. As the hemp industry has matured, the company's vision has expanded to focus on advanced botanical extraction, research-driven product development, and scalable innovation in the growing hemp sector. This strategic shift positions WH Farms Co. to address broader industry trends, including the significant decline in Black ownership in agriculture and the underrepresentation of Black women in biotech and large-scale agricultural manufacturing.
The company's transformation demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to hemp that prioritizes compliance, scientific rigor, and global scalability while maintaining strong ties to community and culture. 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.
WH Farms Co.'s evolution from land to laboratory and from heritage to high-impact innovation represents more than business growth—it demonstrates generational resilience and impact in an industry where diverse representation remains limited. The company's story, detailed at https://www.whfarms.co, illustrates how identity-driven innovation can shape how hemp is cultivated, processed, researched, and integrated into emerging industries while creating economic opportunities and advancing scientific progress in the botanical sector.
