iHemp Summit

Verve Seeds
Director

Jeff’s career path has naturally evolved from a love of agriculture and the ‘family farm.’ Called upon for his knowledge gained from the farm along with his applied research background in the hemp industry, Jeff has an innate ability of relating with producers, colleagues and fellow professionals alike. Jeff is known for his ‘real life’ experience in the field. Equally renowned as having a strong applied research background providing bench marks in the hemp industry which has assisted in the success of producers and colleagues in the burgeoning hemp industry. Jeff is passionate about hemp and the opportunities that are available whether it be through the use of the fiber, grain, oil or as a nutraceutical.

 

In 2022 Verve Seed Solutions Inc. began, through a merger with Hemp Genetics International and Tritium T3H. Jeff takes a lead role in Verve Seeds, sharing his agronomy knowledge to their client base. Hemp research continues to be a focus for Jeff, both in Canada and abroad, determining what varieties will perform in varying conditions and climates. The company joins the global stage in working with producers and research affiliates to provide quality products as the benefits of hemp become more recognized. Jeff takes great pride in developing business relationships on a local, national and international level. Along with his work with Verve Seeds, Jeff is an enthusiastic hemp farmer working with his brother in law on the family farm producing registered and pedigreed hemp seed.

 

Past experience includes being the Manitoba provincial contact regarding hemp agronomy as he was the project lead for hemp research trials in Manitoba. Employed as a Diversification Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Development while working alongside the Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation, Jeff has been involved in hemp research since it was legalized in 1998. Past projects have included working on national variety trials funded through the CHTA as well as working on minor use projects.

 

Jeff studied Agriculture at the University of Manitoba and in 2012 obtained a BGS from Athabasca University where he graduated with distinction. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and is a member of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists. Jeff was featured in a recent issue of the Manitoba Cooperator, providing his insight into the hemp industry in this well known, provincial publication. He has authored a chapter on hemp agronomy for the book “Industrial Hemp as a Modern Commodity Crop” along with the late Dr. David Williams of the University of Kentucky. Jeff is a past director of the CHTA and still is the chair for the National variety Trials, and also Chairs the Seed and Grain committee for the Hemp Industries Association (HIA).