In this week’s episode of Beyond the Baja, we find ourselves at the crossroads of a decision that could determine the future of Tier 4 hemp producers [aka the Farmers]: traceability versus unverified fiber. It’s a choice that extends far beyond the numbers on a balance sheet. It's about how a single decision today can define a farm's place in an increasingly competitive and discerning industry.

Before we dive in—let me set the scene: about four minutes into the intro, you’ll hear the soft, rhythmic sound of my pup, who’s comfortably curled up at my feet, dreaming and licking her lips in her sleep. I couldn’t bear to wake her, so I ask for your patience if it proves a bit distracting. It’s brief, I promise—just a fleeting moment of innocence before we get to the heart of things.

Hemp, once known mostly for products like CBD tinctures and those signature Baja hoodies, is undergoing a transformation. It’s shedding its past and stepping boldly into a future full of promise. But that future rests on a single, undeniable truth: transparency. Unverified fiber may be the easy path in the short run, but it’s a road that leads to risk—particularly as brands with high standards demand sustainability and traceability in their supply chains.

In The Choice, we’re diving into hemp's relative advantage in the high-end denim world—a place where sustainability and quality meet. Hemp, with its unique blend of luxury, eco-friendliness, and durability, could be the very catalyst that reshapes fashion's future. But this is more than just about hemp's environmental impact—it’s about trust, traceability, and making decisions now that will secure the industry’s future tomorrow.

Whether you’re just starting to explore hemp’s potential from a brand perspective or you have been following this movement for years, this episode will offer a fresh perspective on how hemp is poised to disrupt fast fashion, redefine premium denim, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable, transparent global market.

If you’re ready to question the status quo, rethink the rules, and dive into a conversation that might just change the fabric of the industry—then welcome to Beyond the Baja.

In the debut episode of Beyond the Baja, we tackle the frustrating stagnation of the U.S. hemp industry—stuck in endless pilot programs, policy discussions, and summits that lead nowhere. Despite years of talk about scaling industrial hemp fiber, farmers and processors are still waiting for real infrastructure investment and viable markets.

Why is progress stalling? Why do the same voices dominate industry panels while those working on the ground see little change? This episode explores the disconnect between advocacy and industry needs, funding gaps that leave the backbone of the sector unsupported, and systemic roadblocks keeping hemp in limbo.

This isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about asking hard questions, learning from history, and challenging the status quo. If we want real movement, we need to rethink investment, policy, and supply chain development.

Before we dive in, a quick intro: I’m Aaron Furman. I spend a lot of time writing reports most people never read, which is why I started this podcast—to cut through the noise and make sense of this industry. My background spans agricultural finance, certification schemes, commodity markets, and supply chain transparency. From fieldwork to policy discussions, I’ve gained a 360-degree view of the challenges we face.

Today, I serve as Chair of the Colorado Hemp Advisory Committee, work with Peterson Control Union as a global voice for industrial hemp, and lead government affairs and farmer services for the largest U.S. textile manufacturer specializing in hemp/cotton denim. One thing is clear: Without structural support, a sustainable U.S. hemp supply chain remains out of reach.

So, let’s break the cycle. This episode isn’t about THC levels or cannabinoid debates—it’s about infrastructure, supply chains (or the lack thereof), and the transparency brands need to stand behind their products.

Grab your coffee, put on your thinking cap, and let’s dive into Adapting to a Changing Global Landscape: Hemp, Innovation, and the Future of Sustainability.

Welcome to the latest episode of Beyond the Baja, where we take a winding journey through history—one that starts with the uncertainty of JFK’s assassination, transitions through Gavrilo Princip’s fateful moment, explores the wisdom of Plato, and lands with the timeless insights of our Founding Fathers.

At first glance, this might seem like an odd mix of topics. But as we dig deeper, we uncover how each one of these historical moments, figures, and ideas connects to the future of farming—and more specifically, the incredible potential of hemp.

What if we asked, what’s the most impactful invention in human history? What single invention shaped the world more than any other—for better and for worse? Some might say fire, the bow and arrow, or the printing press. But what if I were to suggest that one of the most world-altering inventions was…something else?

An invention that made farming more efficient, leading to surplus food, trade routes, and ultimately, cities and civilizations. And as we explore these key moments from history, we’ll see how they all weave into the future of agriculture, sustainability, and—yes—hemp.

Through this exploration, we dive into the power of understanding the past, not just to remember, but to learn how we can change the course of the future. We’ll break down how hemp—long regarded as a crop of both practical and historical significance—holds the key to reshaping agriculture for a more sustainable and regenerative future.

So, whether you’re here for history, hemp, or both, join me on this journey. Let’s rethink how the past shapes our agricultural future, and why hemp is the crop we need today more than ever.

If you’re tired of the echo chamber and ready to talk about what it actually takes to scale this industry—everything from equipment access to honest economics—this is your space. Let’s move past the cannabinoid hype and focus on what will truly lead to sustainability and scale.

Whether you’re in it for the long haul or just trying to make sense of the madness, Beyond the Baja is where honest conversation meets future-forward thinking.

Got thoughts? Share them. Got questions? Send them in.

This isn’t just a podcast or a newsletter—it’s a growing conversation. And you’re part of it.

Welcome to the latest episode of Beyond the Baja, where we take a winding journey through history—one that starts with the uncertainty of JFK’s assassination, transitions through Gavrilo Princip’s fateful moment, explores the wisdom of Plato, and lands with the timeless insights of our Founding Fathers.

At first glance, this might seem like an odd mix of topics. But as we dig deeper, we uncover how each one of these historical moments, figures, and ideas connects to the future of farming—and more specifically, the incredible potential of hemp.

What if we asked, what’s the most impactful invention in human history? What single invention shaped the world more than any other—for better and for worse? Some might say fire, the bow and arrow, or the printing press. But what if I were to suggest that one of the most world-altering inventions was…something else?

An invention that made farming more efficient, leading to surplus food, trade routes, and ultimately, cities and civilizations. And as we explore these key moments from history, we’ll see how they all weave into the future of agriculture, sustainability, and—yes—hemp.

Through this exploration, we dive into the power of understanding the past, not just to remember, but to learn how we can change the course of the future. We’ll break down how hemp—long regarded as a crop of both practical and historical significance—holds the key to reshaping agriculture for a more sustainable and regenerative future.

So, whether you’re here for history, hemp, or both, join me on this journey. Let’s rethink how the past shapes our agricultural future, and why hemp is the crop we need today more than ever.

If you’re tired of the echo chamber and ready to talk about what it actually takes to scale this industry—everything from equipment access to honest economics—this is your space. Let’s move past the cannabinoid hype and focus on what will truly lead to sustainability and scale.

Whether you’re in it for the long haul or just trying to make sense of the madness, Beyond the Baja is where honest conversation meets future-forward thinking.

Got thoughts? Share them. Got questions? Send them in.

This isn’t just a podcast or a newsletter—it’s a growing conversation. And you’re part of it.