Kemin Industries takes equity position in hemp and cannabinoid ingredients supplier Driftless Extracts

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Kemin Industries (Des Moines, IA) announced that it has made a strategic investment in Driftless Extracts LLC, a certified organic hemp producer, processor, and ingredient supplier based in Wisconsin. With the partnership, Kemin has entered into a supply agreement with Driftless Extracts related to various hemp-based products, which will allow Kemin Human Nutrition and Health to expand its current offering of hemp-based ingredients to include Driftless Extracts’ full-spectrum hemp ingredients.

"We are excited to be partnering with Driftless Extracts, a company that pairs its strong cannabinoid ingredient portfolio and extensive cultivation experience with a passion to shape a better future through sustainable solutions," said Chris Nelson, PhD, president and CEO, Kemin Industries, in a press release. "We look forward to accelerating innovation through hemp plant science, furthering our vision to sustainably transform the quality of life for people around the world. Kemin recently announced our commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and we appreciate the alignment working with Driftless Extracts brings to this important ambition."

"Driftless Extracts is thrilled to partner with a company of Kemin's stature in the general wellness ingredient space, as Kemin has a proven ability to deliver innovative and quality plant-based products to the marketplace. We look forward to collaborating with Kemin to further lead and advance the science, production and supply of hemp-based cannabinoids throughout the world," said Ed Liegel, CEO, Driftless Extracts. "Our shared company missions, dedication to sustainability and commitment to family values are well aligned, making this partnership a natural fit, built for the long term."

Its partnership with Kemin will allow Driftless Extracts to accelerate its vision to revitalize agriculture with hemp as a centerpiece of a renewable future. Driftless already operates from a LEED-certified GOLD facility, and aims to establish a renewable materials industry within the Great Lakes manufacturing sector that marries natural hemp materials and manufacturing. Driftless is working with local farmers to create a sustainable natural materials market for large-scale agricultural hemp production.