Benchmark Botanics Inc. announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Professor Dr. Michael Deyholos to establish a Comprehensive Research and Development Centre for Flax and Hemp Genetics (CFHG) at the Department of Biology of the University of British Columbia, Okanagan (UBCO). CFHG is being established for the development of new hemp and flax varieties to serve markets for fiber, functional food, and medicinal ingredients. In partnership with Benchmark Botanics, the center will be located at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus, in Kelowna, BC. The focus of the center will be to use applied genomics and genetic tools to develop novel germplasm to help industrial hemp and flax to reach its full potential. High-throughput genotyping and chemotyping techniques will be deployed to survey existing variation in germplasm collections. New biotechnology including the CRISPR/Cas9 system will be used to modify metabolic pathways, such as cannabidiol (CBD) biosynthesis, to produce novel germplasm that will be transferred to pre-breeding and breeding programs. The results are expected to be new hemp varieties with improved traits and novel bioproducts for all aspects of the hemp and flax industry. CFHG will focus on flax and industrial hemp-associated business objectives which include: Flax and industrial hemp whole products chain. Leadership on flax and industry hemp research and development. Creation of an international community to collaborate and benefit the general public domestically and internationally.