MORRISVILLE, NY—Assemblymember Donna A. Lupardo visited the Morrisville State College campus where she hosted a forum on the enormous economic potential of industrial hemp for New York State.
“The crop can become a full-scale industry with agricultural, processing and economic potential in our own backyard,” said Lupardo, who sponsored legislation to allow hemp to be grown in the state.
Under a research license from Morrisville State College, JD Farms in Eaton is experimenting with growing hemp as a commercial crop. JD Farms is New York’s first industrial hemp farming operation in more than 80 years.
Through the partnership, Morrisville and JD Farms are studying the conditions under which industrial hemp best grows. Their discoveries can be used as a guide for farmers across the state if the crop becomes commercially viable under state and federal law.
“It’s a $600 million market and I think there is a big opportunity for it here in New York State,” said Dan Dolgin, co-owner of JD Farms. “It’s an opportunity for farmers and colleges to become centers of excellence.”
“The market is here and our ability to harvest and grow it is here,” said Mark Justh, co-owner. “We’ve had tremendous leadership from Morrisville and legislators.”
Lupardo would like to see things continue to move forward.
Industrial hemp will benefit not only local agriculture, but has the potential for numerous manufacturing opportunities throughout the state.
Its uses are vast and beyond what most people realize, according to Jennifer Gilbert-Jenkins, assistant professor of soil science and agronomy at MSC. It can be used to make items like building materials, paper, clothes and plastic. The seeds, rich in acids, are a nutrient.
“It’s a fabulous plan and the potential for New York—It’s big folks,” said Lupardo, who hopes local farmers will soon get a chance to get their foot in the door of the multi-million dollar industry.
Those who participated in the forum also had the opportunity to tour JD Farms and learn first-hand about the potential of industrial hemp.
History
In March of 2016, Morrisville State College was granted the state’s first license and entered into an agreement with JD Farms to plant the seeds. Hemp research was authorized under a bill passed by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Tom O’Mara and signed into law by the Governor in 2014. The law permits the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to issue up to 10 licenses to colleges and universities to conduct research; licensees in turn are able to contract with local farms to grow the crop.