Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
Temporary rules are now in place for the state’s industrial hemp research pilot program. The N.C. Industrial Hemp Commission adopted the rules in February and they’ve also been approved by the state Rules Review Commission. With the rules in place, farmers are beginning to submit applications to grow hemp under the pilot program.
Hemp fibers can be used to make hundreds of products, such as twine, paper, construction materials, carpeting, clothing and animal bedding. Hemp seeds and oils have been used in making industrial oils, cooking oil, pasta, snack products, cosmetics and medicines.
The General Assembly passed legislation in 2015 and 2016 to pave the way for the hemp research pilot program.
For applications and information, visit www.ncagr.gov/hemp.
Click on the link below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda talk about the industrial hemp pilot program and what state officials hope to learn from it.
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