Hemp producer to hire nearly 200 employees in Doa Ana County

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to announce the creation of nearly 200 new jobs in Doña Ana County.

The Rich Global Hemp Corporation has taken over the 750,000 square foot facility at 4884 South Main Street, where it plans to ramp up hemp production by hiring 180 employees. The average salary for the company is $43,000 a year, state officials said.

The governor has a news conference scheduled at 12 p.m. at NMSU’s Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center in La Mesa.

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This is the governor’s first jobs announcement in Doña Ana County, according to MVEDA.

State officials said the company is expected to generate $136-million in direct spending over the next decade with a “total economic impact of $247-million.”

“Why New Mexico? Because we have the political will here,” said Josh Rich, CEO of the Rich Global Hemp Corporation.

Rich added New Mexico – with its hot days and cool nights – also has the perfect climate to grow hemp. “We believe New Mexico could be one of the leaders in the production of commerical hemp,” said Rich, who said he is excited to work with agricultural researchers at New Mexico State University.

Rich Global Hemp has operated and partnered in hemp and cannabis growing operations in California, Nevada and Oregon, according to a news release from the state. It has also worked as a liaison between patients and physicians to manage plants for treatment of pain, depression, inflammation and cancer.

Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal food.