Is Hemp the Next Farm Crop Coming to New York? – Ag Matters

Hemp, not to be confused with marijuana, may be the next crop coming to New York.  JD Farms in Eaton is part of the Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program conducted through the state and Morrisville State College.

Hemp is similar to marijuana, but lacks the chemical that creates "the high" for users. It was used for thousands of years to make ropes, clothing, food, paper and many other products.  It's one of the fastest growing plants, making it perfect as a farm crop; especially in the Northeast where the growing season is sgort.

While it's been 80 years since hemp was planted in the Empire State, legislation in a bill created by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Tom O’Mara "made it legal for the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to issue up to ten licenses to colleges and universities to conduct research in December of 2014."

This is a historic day for the State’s agricultural industry,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “This marks the beginning of a new industrial crop with enormous economic potential. Industrial hemp will benefit not only local agriculture, but has the potential for numerous manufacturing opportunities in the Southern Tier and throughout the state.

Morrisville State College was granted the first license in March of this year.  The college then turned to JD Farms to conduct the research.  You can read more about the legislation at Assemblywoman Lupardo's website and watch a video about JD Farm's program at Time Warner Cable.

SOURCE: Donna Lupardo.com
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