ALBANY — More than 60 farms and businesses have received research permits under New York’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot program. “There is a renewed interest in industrial hemp production and processing throughout the country, and with our strong grower community and innovative researchers, New York is in a great position to lead,” Gov. Andrew […]
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ALBANY — More than 60 farms and businesses have received research permits under New York’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot program.
“There is a renewed interest in industrial hemp production and processing throughout the country, and with our strong grower community and innovative researchers, New York is in a great position to lead,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a news release. “By providing an alternative crop for our farmers, industrial hemp has the potential to change the landscape of our agricultural economy, create jobs and drive growth across the Southern Tier and throughout New York.”
The Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program received applications from more than 100 farms and businesses, 62 have received research permits for the 2018 growing season, according to a release from the governor’s office.
Additionally, 18 New York companies have registered to process industrial hemp.
Going forward, applications for food and fiber research will be accepted on a rolling basis, subject to no deadline. The application is available on the state Department of Agriculture and Markets website.
About 3,500 acres of farmland is approved for hemp research across New York, the state said. That is up from 2,000 acres last season.
According to the release, research projects will focus on using hemp for food, fiber, and grain for the production of animal bedding, insulation, pellets for heating and other consumer uses. Researchers will also look at wellness benefits of cannabidiol, a chemical found in hemp that is often referred to as CBD.
New York State’s $5 million Industrial Hemp Processors Grant Fund was launched last year to enhance hemp processing and support business development. The program helps cover capital costs related to industrial hemp processing, including construction and the purchase of equipment, according to the release.
Southern Tier Hemp
In January, the state also invested $650,000 through the Regional Economic Development Councils to establish a
$3.17 million industrial hemp processing facility in the Binghamton area. Southern Tier Hemp, the company leading this effort, develops, manufactures, and sells CBD-based health products using a proprietary method of extraction.
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D–Endwell) said, “All around the country people are realizing the vast potential of industrial hemp for farmers, processors, manufacturers, and researchers. I am very proud of the leading role New York State is playing in the buildup of this new industry. All eyes are on New York as we show what can happen when government, higher education, farms and other businesses work together on this groundbreaking effort.”
Sen. Thomas F. O’Mara, (R–Big Flats), added, “We have worked steadily over the past several years to move New York State to the forefront of this new industry with the potential to diversify our agricultural economy, generate revenue and create jobs.”
Nationally, industrial hemp generates nearly $600 million per year in sales of a variety of consumer, industrial, and medical products, according to state figures.