SUNY Morrisville working to get hemp commercial

In New York state, SUNY Morrisville is doing its part in supporting New York’s dynamic and evolving economy, pioneering the reintroduction of hemp to New York State. Under a research license from MSC, JD Farms in Eaton, Madison County, 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. Hemp is a growing commodity for states across the nation, as both the stalk and seed from hemp can be used in the production of a variety of goods, including clothing, building materials, fuel, paper, and consumer products.

“There is an enormous economic potential of industrial hemp for New York State,” SUNY Morrisville President David E. Rogers said. “We are very excited about the prospect of giving Morrisville students and faculty the opportunity to conduct applied research on industrial hemp. We believe this crop has the potential to stimulate strong economic growth across a broad spectrum of industries to include agriculture, manufacturing, energy and livestock. This research program will go a long way toward providing New York with a competitive advantage before more states across the country follow suit. We look forward to helping New York farmers gain the knowledge and experience to become a leading producer of industrial hemp.”