Business Lexington
Kentucky is entering its second year of industrial hemp pilot
projects. The first round in 2014 produced a wealth of data about
production methods, seed varieties, harvesting, processing techniques
and uses for harvested hemp.
“We’re looking to conduct a wide scope of pilot projects in 2015,”
said Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, a strong advocate for hemp
and a Republican candidate for governor.
“There are more agriculture processors in Kentucky today making an
investment in the state, signing contracts and hiring people. This is
something we’ll be able to look back at and say ‘This was a good
decision,’” said Comer.
http://bizlex.com/2015/03/hemp-pilot-projects-finding-fertile-ground-in-kentucky/
KY Forward
The journey to renewed industrial hemp production has been a slow-go
since legislation creating an administrative framework for the industry
was passed in Kentucky two years ago.
Even the legislation itself was up in the air until the waning
minutes of the General Assembly’s 2013 session. Then, after the federal
Farm Bill provided for hemp production through research programs, the
state’s first planting was held up after the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration stopped 250 pounds of Italian hemp seeds from being
delivered to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. It took court
action to resolve that matter.
http://www.kyforward.com/our-business/2014/12/29/proponents-hope-second-year-of-pilot-projects-continue-momentum-for-hemp-production/
weku 88.9
The State Agriculture Committee heard an update last week on
Kentucky's hemp pilot project. In September, researchers at the
University of Kentucky harvested the first legal crop in decades. UK
Plant Sciences Professor David Williams says there's growing interest in
a variety of hemp supported products. "They're particularly interested
in the vast of the long strong fibers for composite materials like car
door panels, pseudo plastics, particle board type products, building
construction materials," said Williams.
Some members of law
enforcement have previously expressed concerns about trying to crack
down on marijuana in the midst of hemp production. Committee Chair Paul
Hornback and University of Kentucky Researcher David Williams say plots
are easily identifiable. "It really makes it pretty easy for state
police because they have the coordinates, If there is a plot growing
that is not under those coordinates, then, it's illegal," said Hornback.
"The entire Canadian industry operates under that exact same protocol," added Williams.
Williams
told committee members researchers are holding on to the hemp harvested
from the test plots. He says a larger amount will be planted in 2015,
but far short of the amount needed to meet commercial interests. The
state Department of Agriculture is also permitting hemp sites for
individual farmers next year.
http://weku.fm/post/legislative-committee-briefed-hemp-research-plans-2015
