• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    A Kingdom of Their Own: Fungi Shine While Mushrooms Emerge as Market Stars

    The Pet Health Boom: Supplement Growth Set to Build on Rapid Expansion

    (Re)Open for Business: China’s Strong Demand for Natural Products Spells Opportunity for U.S. Brands

    Review Finds No Causative Connection Between Dietary Supplements and Eating Disorders

    KA! Empathogenics: Creating Calm and Connectedness with Inspiration from Nature
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Glossary
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing

    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method

    Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Receives Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification

    Inulinase Enzymes May Benefit Gut Symptoms of FODMAP Digestion
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Improving Taste and Mouthfeel of Plant-Based Protein Formulations

    A Kingdom of Their Own: Fungi Shine While Mushrooms Emerge as Market Stars

    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing

    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method

    ‘Uniquely Unbound’: Releasing the Potential, and Genius, of Walnuts
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

    Improving Taste and Mouthfeel of Plant-Based Protein Formulations

    A Kingdom of Their Own: Fungi Shine While Mushrooms Emerge as Market Stars

    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing

    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    A Kingdom of Their Own: Fungi Shine While Mushrooms Emerge as Market Stars

    ‘Uniquely Unbound’: Releasing the Potential, and Genius, of Walnuts

    Inulinase Enzymes May Benefit Gut Symptoms of FODMAP Digestion

    Gaming and Esports Health Concerns

    Bioiberica’s DAOgest Authorized as Novel Food ingredient in EU
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Xsto Solutions

    BGG Americas, Inc.

    KLK OLEO

    Gencor

    Verdure Sciences
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Xsto Solutions

    BGG Americas, Inc.

    KLK OLEO

    Gencor

    Verdure Sciences
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Columns

    Oso Vega Inc: Elevating Agricultural Communities

    Brittany Ferguson, VP of quality control and corporate values, discusses the company’s commodities management platform and value-added services.

    Oso Vega Inc: Elevating Agricultural Communities
    By Sheldon Baker, Baker Dillon Group LLC07.15.20
    After spending 10 years between developing her holistic nutrition practice and non-profit roles in international aid, Brittany Ferguson found the perfect balance of passions for social impact and sustainable food systems in her current position at Oso Vega Inc, and Hungry Planet Intelligence, where she is working to raise the level of consciousness, both internally and externally, in the way companies do business and create impact in the farming industry. She is leading the efforts to bring hemp to market in a way that will have a positive impact on our food systems, our health, and our planet.


    Area Code 420 (AC 420): Please explain the Oso Vega innovative management services offered to hemp farmers and processors.

    Ferguson: Oso Vega is a commodities management platform and value-added partner along the industrial hemp supply chain. What started as an AI/drone-based farm management software platform has evolved to include innovative logistics solutions that create greater efficiencies and quality output at seed, farm, processing and retail level. From our elite seed genetics and quality biological inputs to the Oso Vega farming software, proprietary processing technique and the commodities marketplace, we are combining the efficiencies of the technology sector with the best practice standards of the agricultural space.

    AC 420: The First Year Farmer Program is quite unique. What do you provide newbies?

    Ferguson: Farmers have been the backbone of our country since it was founded and remain one of the key elements to a functioning society but continue to get squeezed from all angles. It is an industry struggling to engage young farmers as the nostalgia of the family farm wears off, the mountain of debt grows, and the barrier for entry remains too high. Oso Vega is committed to the communities we serve, so in order to encourage life back into this age-old profession alongside the buzz of this new crop, we started the First Year Farmer Program. The program will help alleviate risk with 100% seed financing, provide education, training, and THC level monitoring, access to our wet harvesting and flower drying solution and most importantly, a flower marketing agreement and placement of the end product on the Oso Vega commodities marketplace with a guaranteed sale. We want to open the door for new farmers to fall in love with this crop the way we have, while not having to bear the weight and burdens of a first time grow.

    AC 420: Are hemp growers turning a profit?

    Ferguson: Yes and No. There was a lot of misinformation floating around following the 2018 Farm Bill on the ease of both growing hemp and selling it for large margins. Hemp was touted as the next agricultural gold rush, promising huge payouts to farmers of this new crop. Many farmers learned the hard way that growing hemp for flower can be very difficult, but more importantly, that growing a booming commodity in a new market without a locked contract for purchase of biomass can be disastrous. Like any good venture, the first year usually is a struggle, but once the plant is understood and contracts are signed early, farmers are on the right track.

    Of course, the price per pound of flower has dropped over the last year, but I do believe this will only encourage higher quality product as the market becomes more competitive. Seed genetics, farming practices, and processing will all play a role in increased efficiencies which is why we are so excited about our partnerships. Our wet harvest processing has the capability to reduce operational costs for both farmer and extractor greatly, not to mention the increased efficiencies in extraction. With the right tools, there are still huge opportunities for that gold rush profit. 

    AC 420: Any new services/products you plan to offer within the next 12 months?

    Ferguson: This season Oso Vega will unroll our ClearAg software, hemp marketplace, and propriety wet-harvest processing technique to growers mainly in California, Colorado, and Texas.

    One service that I am particularly excited for is our consumer-facing traceability platform. Consumers are being hit with a wave of new brands but lack the channels to truly understand what they are looking for and who they should trust. Because of this plant’s ability to pull heavy metals and other nutrients from the soil, it is incredibly important that farms growing for flower, which will be highly condensed for the nutraceutical product, are growing organically in clean soils. There are a lot of incredible farms and brands out there but there are also, unfortunately, some dishonest ones as well. 

    We wanted to find a way to elevate the industry standard. This platform will put the power in the consumer’s hands by giving them a full view into how products were made from seed to shelf. Education is key, but so is transparency. As a new industry, we can demand our supply chains are clean, and honest. This product will elevate the small regenerative and organic farms, and every brand doing it the right way, and hopefully put a spotlight on all the fake and mislabeled products and eventually push them out of the market.

    AC 420: What are the significant trends in the hemp industry?

    Ferguson: No doubt, 2019 was the year of CBD, which will only continue to grow as it becomes a more widely accepted supplement for daily life and wellness. But the market, now feeling slightly oversaturated with new CBD brands, is opening for the next waves of cannabinoids; CBG and CBN both tout promising benefits. As the research deepens, and the seed genetics mature, we are going to see the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes both isolated and combined in different ratios. But my belief is that we will find the synergistic effect of the entire plant, THC included, where our body experiences the greatest benefit.

    On a different track, I am both anxious and excited to see how the industry unfolds over the next couple of years, as there is a much deeper story to this plant. While the nutraceutical benefits cannot be denied, nor the incredibly rich nutritional profile of the seed, possibilities of fiber, plastics, hempcrete, the list goes on—what holds the most promise is the plant’s phytoremediation capabilities, not to mention that hemp sequesters more carbon than any other commercial crop. There is a lot at play, and still much to research, but hemp has the potential to be a game changer in the fight against the growing climate crisis.

    AC 420: Is there too much competition among growers and processors?

    Ferguson: That is hard to say with the nutraceutical space booming as it is. The toughest competition seems to be showing on the retail side, which as a consumer is daunting, especially with no true regulation in place. New brands are popping up left and right making a lot of claims, and honestly, even as a consumer working in the industry, I find it difficult to blindly trust quality as the industry is now asking us to do.

    But retail aside, as more and more states open the doors to hemp, we will most likely start to see an oversaturated flower market unless we begin to invest in the infrastructure for the plant’s other uses. There are huge potential markets in hemp fiber, plastics, graphene, seed/grain, fuel, hempcrete, etc. Currently, there are plenty of extractors ready to turn flower into CBD, but very few decorticators churning out the fibers. If we can effectively diversify the industry, this country will see incredible benefits, not only economically but with a wave of highly sustainable alternatives that will begin to press on other markets to, frankly, be better from an Earth-minded viewpoint.

    AC 420: What excites you most about your company?

    Ferguson: Oso Vega, to its core, is a company deeply committed to the planet, to the community and to the ethical way we do business and treat our employees. Those values have been woven into the culture and have spilled out onto the partnerships we create. Ten years ago, the corporate social responsibility department would have been laughed out of meetings. Unfortunately, still to this day, greenwashing and PR stunts plague the American corporate landscape. But with my team’s support, and a CEO that has insisted on pushing for that triple bottom line from the beginning, I (impact and sustainability) have a seat at the table. No decision is made without first assessing environmental impact. No product is delivered until it is of the highest quality. And no project is begun without understanding how we can bring the most benefit to the community and all involved. This mindset and practice made it much easier in many ways thanks to the incredible industry that surrounds us. An industry that is filled with passionate visionaries who work tirelessly to bring the many incredible benefits of this crop to market.

    AC 420: On a personal note, what’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

    Ferguson: A boss once told me I was part badass ninja, part Mother Theresa, a mix, I would say, I am quite proud of. We are living through this swell of consciousness, an awareness that dares to question some deep seeded societal practices, from the climate crisis to our unsustainable food systems. Within my role’s focus on sustainability and social impact, I do not shy away from taking on the agribusiness giants (the badass ninja in me), but also believe that moving through this historically rich agricultural space requires a deep empathy and understanding for the way of life, the culture, and the incredible people that make up this space. At the end of the day, we all must engage with the belief that everyone is doing the best they know how, but that we all must do much, much better.


    Sheldon Baker

    Sheldon Baker is CEO of the Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for many well-known supplement and food industry companies. For interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at Contact@The420AreaCode.com.
    Related Searches
    • Natural/Organic
    • Quality & Safety
    • Testing
    • Herbs & Botanicals
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Testing
    • Herbs & Botanicals
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Natural/Organic
    • Quality & Safety
    Suggested For You
    PepsiCo Aims to Scale Regenerative Farming Across 7 Million Acres by 2030 PepsiCo Aims to Scale Regenerative Farming Across 7 Million Acres by 2030

    Related Breaking News

    • Breaking News | Industry & Market News | Natural/Organic | World Markets
      PepsiCo Aims to Scale Regenerative Farming Across 7 Million Acres by 2030

      PepsiCo Aims to Scale Regenerative Farming Across 7 Million Acres by 2030

      Company’s aspires to source crops and ingredients in a way that accelerates regenerative agriculture and strengthens farming communities.
      Sean Moloughney, Editor 04.20.21

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Soviets Took Probiotics To The Next Level
    Breaking News
    • Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
    • Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing
    • BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    • Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Receives Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification
    • Inulinase Enzymes May Benefit Gut Symptoms of FODMAP Digestion
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    May 2023

    • Cellular Aging and Longevity: Ingredients for a New Age of Health
    • Addressing the Plastic-Packaging Problem: Getting to Zero-Waste with Zero Compromise
    • Moms Raise the Bar for Kids Supplements
    • Building on Steps to Improve Children’s Health Around the World
    • FDA Remains Focused on Modernizing DSHEA
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing
    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Indorama Ventures and Carbios Reaffirm Partnership to Build PET Biorecycling Plant
    AkzoNobel Powder Coatings Enhances Digital Services with Launch of My Interpon Portal
    PPG Opens Color Creation Lab with Chery Automobile in China
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    CardioRenal’s TENOR Device Receives Breakthrough Device Designation from FDA
    LifeQ Unveils New 24-Hour Sleep Solution
    Babson Diagnostics Welcomes New Clinical Advisor, Andrew Carroll
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Terran Biosciences, Pierre Fabre Ink Exclusive Licensing Deal for Idazoxan
    ASM Research Chemicals Launches Development Packs for API Manufacturing
    WuXi Increases Manufacturing Capacity in Germany
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    L'Oréal North Asia President Discusses China's Consumer Sector Recovery & Premium Beauty Trends
    Kiehl’s Celebrates Pride by Supporting The Trevor Project
    L’Oréal & UNESCO Announce 2023 Laureates of the For Women in Science International Awards
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Olay Rolls Out Sensitive Skin Line
    World Taste & Smell Association's June 6 Webinar Looks at Smell and Multisensory Design
    Azelis Americas Opens New Application Labs for Personal Care, Home Care and Industrial Cleaning
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Mactac Acquires Canadian Roll Label Distributor Label Supply
    WestRock Advances its Commitment to a Sustainable Future
    Roland DGA Announces Key Service Department Personnel Changes
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Schreiner's Pharma-Comb IL Label supports clinical trial cancer medication
    First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea
    FPA announces Kasie Fairbarn as elected ELC co-chair
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Harper Hygienics Launches Hemp-Based Intimate Care Wipes
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Biodiapers Signs Agreement with Sicam
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Augmedics Debuts New Features, Indications for xvision Platform
    Artelon Closes $20M Series B Funding
    Orthofix Unveils Seven-Year Outcome Data for M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    DIC Acquires Photoresist Polymers Manufacturer PCAS Canada
    Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    Vitesco Technologies, onsemi Sign SiC Long-Term Supply Agreement

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login