Nicole N’diaye’s journey into farming began with a profound realization of the economic potential within the cannabis industry. In 2016, she visited a medical dispensary, spending $1,000, and recognized the lucrative opportunities. However, the high barriers to entry for a medical license, including $225,000 in non-refundable application fees and $2 million in operational capital, led her to pivot towards hemp and CBD cultivation. By 2018, following a commodity report by Governor Cuomo, Nicole secured a hemp license and partnered with the Amish, shifting her focus from pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana to hemp and CBD.
Nicole founded NAHE, LLC in 2018, and the agribusiness manages ten hemp farms under the NAHE Farm brand in rural upstate New York, specializing in organic practices and local community engagement. Collectively, the farms cultivate eleven acres of hemp for fiber and CBD oil, emphasizing sustainability and social equity. NAHE Farms’ mission is to develop character, strength, and truth in hemp products and address environmental issues by providing reliable, natural hemp farming and products for years to come.
Recently, Nicole has expanded her agricultural pursuits to include food production. NAHE, LLC is now exploring the cultivation of a variety of crops to enhance food security and provide fresh, locally-grown produce to communities. This new venture aligns with Nicole’s dedication to social equity, aiming to address food deserts and improve access to nutritious food in underserved areas.
Looking ahead, Nicole’s vision for NAHE, LLC includes building a robust food production system that complements their existing hemp operations. She plans to leverage the farm’s sustainable practices to grow organic fruits and vegetables, ensuring high-quality produce for local markets.
Furthermore, Nicole’s commitment to community upliftment is evident through NAHE, LLC’s various programs, including an impact reparation initiative for incarcerated youth and a recycling program. Additionally, Nicole is collaborating with local schools and community organizations to create educational programs that teach urban agriculture and healthy eating habits. Nicole’s passion for education also extends beyond farming. Currenytly, she is developing a three-week introductory agricultural course to teach virtually at a trade school in Hampton, VA. The course aims to inspire the next generation of farmers and agripreneurs, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and equitable farming practices.
Nicole N’diaye’s dedication to farming, community engagement, and industry advocacy marks her as a prominent agripreneur, continually striving to innovate and uplift through her work with NAHE, LLC.
To learn more about NAHE Farms, please visit www.naheus.com.
