LOCAL

Industrial hemp farm coming to Somerset County

CODY McDEVITT codym@dailyamerican.com
The Daily American

An industrial hemp farming project is on its way to Somerset County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Specific details about the farm in Somerset County and the person behind it were unavailable, but it’s part of a larger industrial hemp project that includes an additional 39 such farms throughout the state in 2018. If all applicants complete the permitting process, nearly 1,000 acres of hemp will grow this spring.

“Last year was the first year in seven decades industrial hemp was grown and harvested in Pennsylvania, and it was clear there was considerable interest,” said Russell Redding, state secretary of agriculture.

“So when Gov. Wolf announced that Pennsylvania would expand its research program, we were eager to see how many researchers would apply and how many acres they intended to plant.

“We’re pleased with the response and the enthusiasm around this promising and versatile crop. And we’re especially pleased that so many of our first-year growers have committed to continue their research.”

Denny Hutchison, president of the Somerset County Farm Bureau, said the trend in the county and state is indicative of what’s going on in the country.

“I think there’s going to be people in favor and people against it. If it’s legal, then it’s an opportunity for someone to make money and make profit on a product. I don’t know if more will do it. I think it will be like other things that happen. Like the hog barns. There was one started and now there are two more. And now two are in the process. There are people certainly willing to take a chance. And others will sit back and see if it’s profitable. Then if it is, then maybe they’ll take a chance.”

Unlike marijuana, industrial hemp is grown for fiber and seed, and must maintain a concentration of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, below the 0.3 percent legal threshold.

It is used in automotive interiors, textiles, paper, foods, beverages and nutritional supplements among others. It is estimated to be a nearly $600 million industry in the U.S.

“There is a considerable amount of interest in hemp and tremendous economic development potential — something we will try to enable through the next federal Farm Bill,” Redding said. “Allowing research was a good first step, but the potential of this crop warrants the federal government allowing more extensive production. Legitimizing industrial hemp will give entrepreneurs the assurance they need to invest in this industry.”

AP photoItems that were made using hemp are displayed at the Pennsylvania Farm Show's hemp exhibit at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg on Jan. 9.