How to resolve AdBlock issue? ROUND LAKE – Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) announced that she and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington County will host an informational session next week for farmers interested in the growth of industrial hemp.
It is scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Washington County Fair Office, 392 Old Schuylerville Road in Greenwich. Soup and dessert will be served.
Cornell University Professor Larry Smart, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Policy Analyst Tim Sweeny, and Sunstrand LLC’s Trey Riddle will discuss the science of growing hemp, the state Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, the approval process for becoming a hemp grower/producer, and potential markets for hemp distribution.
“Farmers across Washington and Saratoga counties have long understood hemp’s potential to become a cash crop, and I am pleased that we in the legislature have been able to support this important industry,” said Woerner. “I am committed to helping local farmers take advantage of this unique economic opportunity, and I appreciate the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington County’s leadership in doing so.”
Hemp is used to manufacture an estimated 25,000 products, from clothing to construction materials. Through Nov. 22, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is soliciting farmers, businesses and research institutions interested in growing and processing industrial hemp as part of the Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program.
Earlier this year, recognizing hemp's potential to become a profitable crop for farmers and a stimulant of economic growth, the program was expanded by state officials to include farmers and businesses. This has supported a 6,000 percent increase in the number of acres across the state dedicated to industrial hemp production.
New York State has also allocated up to $5 million for the Industrial Hemp Processing Grant Fund, which provides grants for machinery and equipment required for the processing of industrial hemp and commercialization in New York.
While RSVPs are not required, they are appreciated and may be made to the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington County at 518-746-2560 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
