Hemp research is moving quickly in order to support industrial production of the crop, according to Jerry Fankhauser, Industrial Hemp Program Logistics Coordinator, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, UF-IFAS. “We’re moving as quickly as we can into a commercial environment with less than a year’s worth of research data. That’s a tall order,” said Fankhauser, who spoke at the inaugural Florida …
Hemp Industry Pleased with USDA Rule as First Step
With the release just last week of USDA’s interim rule for the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, it was a big topic of discussion at the inaugural Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Exposition this week in Orlando. National Hemp Association chairman Geoff Whaling says the rule is a good first step. “This was a herculean lift for them (USDA) because …
Learning at Inaugural Florida Industrial Hemp Conference
I’m starting out this week on the agriblogging highway attending the first Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Exposition in Orlando. With an expectation of 200 attendees the actual number is about 450 according to conference coordinator, Gene Jones. In the photo our keynote speaker is leading the program off today. She is Holly Bell, Director of Cannabis, Florida Department of …
USDA Unveils Domestic Hemp Production Program
On Tuesday, USDA officials announced the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program to create a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue made the announcement in a pre-recorded video. “At USDA, we are always excited when there are new economic opportunities for our farmers, and we hope the ability to …
First Florida Hemp Conference Next Month
The inaugural Florida Industrial Hemp Conference (FIHCE 2019) will be held November 3-5 in Orlando. FIHCE 2019 is a networking and educational event designed to foster the development of an industrial hemp industry in Florida. Topics at the conference include the latest information on the hemp market, state and federal legislation, growing and cultivation, research, banking, and lots more. Gene …
Hemp Industrial Park Debuts at #FPS19
Hemp has officially arrived as an agricultural commodity with its inclusion as an exhibit at the 2019 Farm Progress Show. The Hemp Industrial Park featured hemp company and organization exhibitors, daily educational presentations, and examples of products made from hemp. “It’s been an amazing experience all around,” said Erica Stark, executive director of the National Hemp Association. She says that …
CannaFarm Con for Growing Industry
Cannabis farming is a growing industry in this country and people want to know more about it, and that is why CannaFarm Con is being held August 1-2 in San Diego. Cannabis can be either hemp or marijuana with industrial hemp and production for CBD being the fastest growing segments of the industry. Celeste Miranda set about organizing an event …
Witnesses at Hemp Hearing Provide New Industry Update
Two panels provided an update on “Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill” during a hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday. The first panel consisted of representatives from USDA, EPA and FDA who gave reports on how their respective agencies are working on implementation. USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach, EPA Assistant Administrator Alexandra Dunn, and FDA Principal Deputy …
Senate Ag Committee Leaders Voice Hemp Support
The Senate Committee on Agriculture got an update on “Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill” Thursday with clear support from the leadership. Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) said while there are cautions regarding this new crop, ‘I am extremely supportive of new opportunities for farmers. It is not often that an almost entirely new crop with this level of interest …
Hemp Farming is Getting Real
The seeds planted in the 2018 farm bill legalizing the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity are starting to grow. Florida has officially entered the field with the governor just signing a measure allowing an agricultural hemp program to be developed. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried believes hemp could be the boost the state’s farm sector and rural areas …