This first step is extremely important. You need the right type of seed that will produce high quality long fibers and the greatest yeild in a given climate. Most seed has had to be imported, but we are finally beginning to produce our own domestic seed supply.

Local entrepreneurial farmers have already harvested several seasons worth of industrial hemp. However, incorrect seed stock and lack of experience have meant mixed results. Plus the biggest market is for hemp oil, not the same plant as needed for fiber.

This is the raw material that will be made into fabric. Right now there is not enough dometic supply to feed the demand. Key bottlenecks include lack of supply of long fiber hemp and processing capacity, but these issues are quickly being addressed.

Before we can make a t-shirt or hat, the fabric needs to be manufactured from individual strands of yarn or thread, which are in turn spun from processed fiber. This is one of two major links missing in the domestc apparel supply chain.

The manufacture and dyeing of fabric is the other missing link. Very few dometic dyers or producers of fabric exist. So far, there are no North American suppliers of hemp fabric, but several are currently experimenting with cost-effective, scalabe ways to make fabric from hemp, in the U.S.A.

There are a handful of cut & stitch shops spread across the country that can turn fabric into finished goods, and fortunate for us, the is a good one here in Denver. However, due to high U.S. labor costs, the finished clothing will be much more expensive to produce than overseas.

There are a number of local options for this step. We've decided to go with a family-run business in our home town of Parker, Colorado. But again, it will be much more expensive than if it were done overseas.

For this final link in our supply chain we will rely on local work experience businesses like Bayaud Enterprises, helping Denver area people with disabilities to create self-reliance. Our goal is always to benefit local people and our economy.