PA Department of Agriculture Update: Fred Strathmeyer:
174 hemp grow permits secured and 38 hemp processing permits secured:
84% cannabinoids
26% fiber
12% grain
Year-round permitting available; closes year-end
Performance based sampling underway; compliance testing not required if the cultivar is a “certified fiber and grain variety” is listed on the PDA website.
Last night (7/14) budget was signed with no issue.
Reminder: specialty crop block grants are available for hemp (at the State level) as well as new Agriculture Innovation grant funds. Keep an eye out for Bulletin updates.
Events:
Sarah Mitchell: Lancaster County Hemp Circuit held 8/20-8/21/24. King’s Agri-seed, Penn State and Cedar Meadow Farm hosting partially funded by a PDA grant.
Member Submitted Questions:
Update on the Farm Bill and what impacts will the Miller amendment have?
Erica Stark - Positive update as most of the key components of industrial hemp act made it into the base text of the house version of the Farm Bill to include a clear definition of industrial hemp as grown for a separate purpose of fiber, grain or micro-greens. Not able to address all States operating under the same rules and regulations however, it will allow visual inspection and certified seed performance-based sampling.
Framework of Democratic version not GOP version (not touched at all).
The Miller Amendment aims to close the loophole allowing intoxicating hemp products by revising the legal definition of hemp-derived products containing THC. It now bases the legality on total THC content, which addresses post-harvest manufacturing processes but inadvertently causes more challenges for farmers. The amendment passed in appropriations and work will need to be done to ensure it does not have a negative impact to the hemp industry as a whole.
What are the latest challenges in opening up the PA MMJ markets to PA hemp suppliers?
Cynthia Petrone-Hudock – Back in 2021, PA Steer supported opening hemp B2B markets to MMJ producers to ensure access, affordability, compliant material for MMJ product development and expanded MMJ minor cannabinoid product diversity. There was also a clear intent to accomplish local economic development. In the fall 2022, the MMJ Act changed to embrace the opportunity Section 1151.a.24 (f) & (g).
Earlier this year, the DOH started requiring MMJ producers to obtain an affidavit from PA hemp permitted growers/processor suppliers stating all hemp material has been grown and processed within PA state limits. Blocking interstate commerce limits the access and affordability of compliant material and hinders local economic development (which was the original intent of opening the markets).
Lobbyists are working to address the situation and free up interstate commerce. Look for a update in October.
What is academia’s current research focus?
Alyssa Collins – Met with a larger agronomy group, which has now divided into sub-groups to prioritize research. The first step involved surveying key concerns, such as pests, diseases, and plant establishment.
Researchers across the country, 16-20 participants, run research and share data.
Developing basic agronomic protocols. A public breeder at Cornell is working on fiber and grain hemp varieties, with promising results. Historically, international varieties have been used, but the focus is now on optimizing for specific regions and end uses. Best growing approaches for different regions; Researchers and industry partners, such as Kings AgriSeeds, are working together to share findings and deploy them in additional research efforts across various regions.
What is PA doing to move the needle forward on production?
EmmaRose Strohl Feed for animals:
Hemp seed and oil have not yet been approved for use in animal feed. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has accepted hemp-based feed for layer hens, which is gaining traction with the FDA.
The Hemp Feed Coalition has successfully published a definition for hemp seed cake as a feed ingredient for animal consumption.
Advantages and challenges of developing higher value hemp-derived industrial products?
Dan Summa is focused on early market entry with products that have the potential for a strategic and national impact on the U.S. economy. He has been working on using hemp compounds to develop graphene.
Key challenges in this effort include:
Collaborations: Partnering with academic research centers is essential but can be complex.
Time: It can take up to 5 years to move from concept development to pilot projects. Grant applications are time-consuming, often with limited lead time.
Funding: Projects are currently supported through self-funding, grants, and venture capital.
Has anyone considered leveraging AI tools to support hemp initiatives?
Mike Roth – Through the Ag Innovation efforts, there are strong relationships with Carnegie Mellon; field and visual ai opportunities
Oneal Latimore - using AI in product design through a Jefferson Innovation Grant.
Alyssa Collins – Advises caution in using AI for in-field decisions. Also take into consideration the significant energy costs of using AI.
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