WH Farms Co., a Black woman-owned agricultural business, has announced its evolution into a science-driven hemp biotech company during the transition from Black History Month to Women's History Month. Led by entrepreneur Q. Nicole Vanderhorst, this transformation represents both business growth and increased representation in fields where Black ownership has historically declined.
The company's expansion includes acquiring a 13,000-square-foot facility in Winston-Salem through a $2.9 million investment that will bring formulation and manufacturing in-house. This development will create 41 new jobs with average wages exceeding $79,000, contributing to workforce development and economic investment in the region.
"Our botanical ingredients are grown on land that was cleared by the hands of freed slaves, which means our heritage is built on strength and survival," said Vanderhorst. "Today, WH Farms Co. is transforming that legacy into a hemp biotech company serving the world. We are creating jobs, building wealth, and leading an emerging industry with purpose, pride, innovation, and vision."
This shift from traditional agriculture to biotechnology occurs at a critical time when Black ownership in agriculture has significantly declined and Black women remain underrepresented in biotech and large-scale agricultural manufacturing. WH Farms Co.'s evolution addresses this representation gap while positioning the company at the intersection of agriculture, science, and economic empowerment.
The company will focus on advanced botanical extraction, research-driven product development, and scalable innovation in the growing hemp sector. This scientific approach prioritizes compliance, rigorous analysis standards, and global scalability while maintaining connections to community and cultural heritage. For more information about the company's products and mission, visit https://www.whfarms.co.
WH Farms Co. has distinguished itself through quality cultivation and USDA-licensed manufacturing since its founding. The company's transformation reflects the maturation of both the business and the hemp industry, moving from land-based cultivation to laboratory-driven innovation. This forward-thinking approach aims to strengthen domestic hemp cultivation, advance science-backed botanical solutions, expand manufacturing capabilities, create sustainable job opportunities, and build long-term generational wealth.
As global demand for plant-based wellness and sustainable agricultural innovation grows, WH Farms Co. positions itself to lead with credibility and transparency. The company's story represents evolution from heritage to high-impact innovation, demonstrating how businesses can grow while addressing historical underrepresentation in key industries. This development matters because it creates economic opportunities while advancing diversity in biotechnology and agriculture, fields that have traditionally lacked Black female leadership.
The implications extend beyond immediate job creation to potentially influence industry standards, research directions, and economic development models. By bringing manufacturing in-house and focusing on scientific rigor, WH Farms Co. contributes to the broader biotech landscape while maintaining its commitment to premium, transparently sourced hemp products. This strategic growth demonstrates how businesses can evolve to meet market demands while creating positive social and economic impact.
