With a provision in the recently passed United States Farm bill that permits the research of industrial hemp, a bill introduced by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Tom O'Mara (A9140/S7047) would make New York the eleventh state in the nation to set the framework for growing hemp.
Section 7606 of the Agriculture Act of 2014, signed into law by President Obama on February 7th, legalizes growth of hemp for research by state departments of agriculture or institutions of higher education in states where it has been approved by law.
"The Farm Bill opens a door for New York to begin taking advantage of this multi-use crop," said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell). "Hemp has the potential to be a new opportunity for our emerging agricultural industry. Both its stalk and seed can be used for textiles, building materials, paper, food and environmental products like biofuels."
Hemp had been previously banned under the Controlled Substances Act because it comes from the same plant as marijuana. However, industrial hemp and marijuana are genetically distinct varieties of cannabis and it is not possible to extract a drug from hemp. The THC content of hemp is between 0.05% to 1%, compared to its recreational counterpart which contains THC levels of up to 20%.
Ten states already have laws in place that allows them to begin producing hemp and Assembly bill A8297, along with its Senate companion bill S7047, establishes procedures for New York to take advantage of this research opportunity.
"The New York Farm Bureau, Cornell University researchers and other agricultural leaders and farm advocates recognize industrial hemp as a potentially lucrative way to provide new economic opportunities for our farmers," said Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C-Big Flats), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "This proposed pilot program would help New York State secure a strong position at the forefront of a future industry that can diversify and strengthen our agricultural industry, generate revenue and create jobs."
Hemp is used around the world to produce fabric, rope, paper, oil, soap, lotion and even food. It also is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which gives it numerous health benefits to both humans and animals. In 2012, retail sales from imported hemp products were estimated at $500 million. The New York Farm Bureau supports the new legislation, which it says would position the state as a leader in hemp production.
"Industrial hemp production would offer New York's farmers new economic opportunities. Diversification is important as farms look to remain successful in a global marketplace, and industrial hemp could be another profitable alternative for agriculture, which in turn, would help boost the state's rural economy," said Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau. "This legislation would put New York growers in a position to take advantage of changing federal regulations,"
If approved by the New York State Legislature, hemp production for research can begin immediately by either the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or by colleges and universities. Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recognizes the benefits of hemp as an industrial product and is a potential candidate to participate in the pilot program.
"Industrial hemp is an excellent candidate from a biomass standpoint, with high yield as well as multiple potential value-added uses," said Jerry Cherney, Professor of Agriculture at Cornell. "Alternative markets allow farmers to minimize their risk and maximize profits."
New York's industrial hemp bill is currently in the Assembly and Senate Agriculture Committees. For more information on industrial hemp, please see the fact sheet below.
