April 01, 2020 - Oso Vega, a leading supplier of premium hemp genetics, and Castillo Seed Company, are the new tenants of the former Bay City Flower Company facilities. The multiple greenhouse facilities, totaling more than 1,000,000 square feet of space, are currently transitioning from floral production to industrial hemp seed production.
Oso Vega is an agriculture logistics and commodities management company focused on industrial hemp and cannabinoid-infused food ingredients. The company handles everything from seed breeding to harvesting, processing, and marketing logistics. For seed breeding, Oso Vega and the University of California at Davis completed the first year of a multi-year research agreement to develop improved hemp varietals. Those varietals will eventually make their way into the Bay City greenhouse facility.
“We are very excited about the wonderful opportunity in Half Moon Bay,” said Jeff McPhee, Founder of Oso Vega. “Through our partnership with Castillo Seed, we were able to hire back many of the highly-skilled and experienced workforce from Bay City Flower Company. As a company founded by multi-generational farmers, we know the important role agriculture plays in California and Half Moon Bay. We are committed to working with the local community and continuing our work as an agricultural company for generations to come.”
To celebrate the launch of the Half Moon Bay, Bay City facility, Oso Vega is extending a special offer to local farmers with 50 or more acres interested in growing hemp for the first time. As part of this program, Oso Vega will finance the cost of the seeds grown in the Bay City facility, with 30% paid at planting and the remainder paid from the proceeds of the sale of the crop.
The company will also pay for qualified new hemp farmers to visit the Half Moon Bay facility and tour its facilities. “We want to show the agricultural community what it means to cultivate high quality seeds, and why it matters,” said Oso Vega’s CEO Marc Ferguson. “We encourage all growers to take the time and effort to get to know their seed company from a due diligence perspective. To properly cultivate industrial hemp requires a unique set of horticulture skills. Growers should feel comfortable asking their seed company to demonstrate they can deliver on their promises by walking the floor of the facility, talking with breeders and learning what distinguishes true professionals from others.”
In addition to the First Time Hemp Farmer Program, Oso Vega is also launching a Young Farmer Program to help young farmers get started in the hemp industry.
To learn more about Oso Vega and its commitment to the agricultural community, please visit www.OsoVega.com.
Contact Information
Jessica Meade
Oso Vega
Voice: 8136384461
